Tinubu Defends 2024 Budget Integrity Amid Accusations of Padding

By: Emmanuel Ibitoye

President Bola Tinubu has staunchly defended the integrity of the 2024 budget amidst swirling allegations of padding totaling N3.7 trillion. Speaking at a dinner with the Senate leadership in Abuja, Tinubu directly addressed the accusations leveled against the budget, particularly by Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central.

In his remarks, Tinubu refuted the allegations, asserting, “Those who are talking about malicious embellishment in the budget, they did not understand the arithmetic and did not refer to the baseline of what I brought.” He emphasized the expeditious handling of the budget by the Senate, expressing gratitude for their diligence in the process.

Acknowledging the economic challenges facing the nation, Tinubu urged tighter expenditure control, stating, “Our revenue has improved. All we have to do is to control expenditure and manage ourselves better.”

Furthermore, Tinubu commended the Senate for their prompt attention to the Students Loan Amendment Bill, highlighting the importance of tolerance, forgiveness, and charity during Ramadan.