The Federal Government of Nigeria has refuted claims that it spent over ₦8 trillion outside the approved 2026 budget, challenging anyone who believes this to provide evidence. This statement comes in response to remarks made by IMF Resident Representative in Nigeria, Christian Ebeke, who indicated that approximately two percent of Nigeria’s GDP was spent outside the budget in 2025.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has refuted allegations that over ₦8 trillion was spent outside the 2025 budget, asserting that all public expenditures comply with the country's constitutional and legal framework. This statement was made by Taiwo Oyedele, the Minister of Finance, in response to claims suggesting that approximately two percent of Nigeria's Gross Domestic Product was unaccounted for, according to the Daily Post.

The Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government has refuted allegations that it spent over ₦8 trillion outside of the approved budget, which is estimated to be about two percent of Nigeria's total budget. The government has addressed these claims in a recent statement, emphasizing its adherence to budgetary regulations.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has reported that the Federal Government of Nigeria did not include public expenditure amounting to approximately N8.8 trillion, or 2% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), in its recent national budgets. This omission has led to a discrepancy between the reported fiscal deficit and the actual financing requirements of the country, according to the IMF's Resident Representative.

The Allied People’s Movement (APM) in Lagos State has called on the Federal Government to clarify reports of alleged off-budget spending amounting to ₦8.8 trillion, as highlighted by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The party's Public Secretary, Mr. Ayodele Kazeem, emphasized that Nigerians deserve transparency regarding public expenditure in a statement released on Sunday.

The Federal Government has addressed concerns regarding an ₦8 trillion spending dispute, denying allegations of a 'Shadow Budget.' Oyedele emphasized that certain capital projects extend over multiple fiscal years and are executed through legally sanctioned capital rollovers, clarifying that these should not be viewed as unauthorized or illegal expenditures.