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 Federal Government of Nigeria has denied allegations of spending ₦8 trillion outside the 2026 budget, asserting that a report from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) was misrepresented. Finance Minister Taiwo Oyedele provided clarification on the matter.

Nigerians are expressing their views on social media following allegations from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) that the Federal Government did not account for public spending amounting to approximately N8.8 trillion, which is about 2% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), in recent official budgets. This disclosure has ignited a debate regarding transparency in government financial reporting.

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 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.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has expressed concern regarding an IMF report that reveals ₦8.8 trillion in federal expenditures were not included in official budget records. He accused the Tinubu administration of operating a "parallel fiscal universe" in the lead-up to the 2027 elections. This statement was made following the release of the IMF's Article IV report on July 1, 2026.