FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FINANCE PRESS STATEMENT
FALSE ALLEGATION OF HIDDEN SPENDING AND DIVERSION OF FEDERATION REVENUE
The attention of the Federal Ministry of Finance has been drawn to recent media reports and commentaries that misrepresent the findings of the latest Nigeria Development Update by the World Bank, particularly claims suggesting that a significant portion of federation earnings is being “diverted” or constitutes “hidden spending.”
These interpretations misrepresent the World Bank’s analysis and reflect a misunderstanding of the fiscal system.
MISINTERPRETATION OF FAAC DEDUCTIONS
The misreporting in question incorrectly characterises Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) deductions as “waste” or missing funds. This is incorrect.
FAAC deductions, as presented in the World Bank report, include:
Statutory transfers,
Savings and investments,
Security-related expenditures,
Cost-of-collection charges,
Refunds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs),
Transfers and interventions benefiting subnational governments.
It is important to emphasise that refunds and transfers to states and other tiers of government are not leakages. They represent legitimate fiscal flows, including repayments of obligations and statutorily backed allocations.
SELECTIVE USE OF OUTDATED DATA
Some commentaries selectively relied on past data while ignoring the forward-looking analysis and ongoing public financial management reforms highlighted in the report.
The World Bank explicitly notes that reforms implemented in early 2026, including the recently signed Executive Order to safeguard remittance of petroleum revenues, are already addressing concerns around deductions, and are expected to improve transparency while increasing revenues available to all tiers of government by about 0.4% of GDP annually.
Misinterpreting one aspect of the analysis without acknowledging the progressive reforms and measures already introduced to enhance distributable federation revenues gives a distorted picture.
STRONGER MACROECONOMIC FUNDAMENTALS
The broader message of the World Bank report is positive and forward-looking:
Economic growth is becoming more broad-based across sectors.
Inflation, while still elevated, is declining due to deliberate policy actions.
Nigeria’s external position has strengthened significantly, with improved reserves and a current account surplus.
Debt indicators have improved, including a decline in the debt-to-GDP ratio, the first in over a decade.
These developments reflect the outcomes of the current administration's ongoing macroeconomic policies and public financial management reforms.
THE REAL MESSAGE OF THE REPORT
The World Bank does not conclude that Nigeria’s fiscal system is collapsing or that reforms have failed. Rather, it states that reforms are working, and they must be sustained and deepened to translate macroeconomic gains into inclusive growth.
CONCLUSION
The Federal Government remains committed to strengthening fiscal transparency, improving revenue mobilisation, ensuring efficient public spending, and deepening reforms to support inclusive economic growth.
An accurate understanding and responsible reporting of fiscal information are critical to maintaining confidence in Nigeria’s reform trajectory and economic outlook.
We urge stakeholders, media organisations, and the public to engage constructively with fiscal information and avoid twisted interpretations that may undermine reform efforts and fuel public discord.
Signed
Taiwo Oyedele
Honourable Minister of State for Finance,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
April 19, 2026
Something significant happened at our APGA South-East Zonal Stakeholders’ meeting — the first of its kind in over 20 years. We did not just gather to talk. We gathered to rebuild.
Let me be blunt: the era of “trade by barter” politics in APGA is over. This party will no longer be a rented platform for personal ambition. The era of the “gift-ticket” must end now. We are building a proper movement where loyalty matters and tickets are not for sale.
In 2024, we became the first party in Nigeria to fully digitize our membership register. That means every registered member now has the right to vote and be voted for. No more shadows. We have also adopted Option A-4 for our primaries — open, transparent, and fair to all.
But structure without funding is fantasy. That is why we are returning to the “student days” model. Members must own this party through dues. A committee will soon roll out a sustainable funding system so we stop depending on business interests that have limited our growth.
Our National Chairman, Barr. Sly Ezeokenwa, has laid out the new rules: Expression of Interest first, then screening, before Nomination Forms. Party executives must stay neutral or resign if they want to campaign for anyone. These are tough rules, but serious parties do tough things.
I thank the National and States Working Committees of our great Party for their commitment to this new direction.
My charge to all of us is simple: let us commit to APGA’s long-term survival. Aspire with integrity. Stop “holding briefs.” Stop jumping platforms. Let us build a disciplined, national movement anchored on transparency, equity, and justice.
The work has begun!
“People say they don’t want you, yet you spend money to impose yourself. Isn’t that a shame? Leadership should come from being wanted. If people say they don’t need you, why resort to bribery and compromising elections?”
~ Pastor Paul Enenche says
"Una want Peter Obi to win, Una no want Peter Obi to win, but Una no wan register with ADC"
~Nollywood Actor speaks out, encouraging Nigerians to Register with the ADC
INEC CHAIRMAN AMUPITAN MUST GO.
INEC CHAIRMAN AMUPITAN MUST GO.
INEC CHAIRMAN AMUPITAN MUST GO.
INEC CHAIRMAN AMUPITAN MUST GO.
INEC CHAIRMAN AMUPITAN MUST GO.
INEC CHAIRMAN AMUPITAN MUST GO.
INEC CHAIRMAN AMUPITAN MUST GO.
INEC CHAIRMAN AMUPITAN MUST GO.
“All of us in the UK especially England, we are meeting tomorrow in front of the house of parliament, Westminster, London for a protest rally to register our voice against the orchestrated plans by the APC to rig the 2027 election….”
- Mr. Commonsense