By Newspot Nigeria News Desk
Calls for Transparency, Proactive Disclosure, and Inclusive Governance
Aba, Nigeria — The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has strongly condemned the Abia State House of Assembly for approving a supplementary budget of ₦150 billion without engaging the public or consulting constituents.
In a press release issued on Sunday, the pro-democracy and environmental rights group described the legislative action as a “blatant disregard for transparency, accountability, and participatory governance,” stressing that it violates democratic norms and undermines the sovereignty of the people as enshrined in the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD, noted that a budget of such magnitude should not be passed in secrecy. He emphasized the importance of open hearings, stakeholder consultations, and community-level input in all fiscal matters that could affect present and future generations.
The group further urged the Abia State Government and the Assembly to embrace proactive disclosure in line with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2011. Specifically, FENRAD demanded the immediate publication of:
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The full breakdown and justification of the ₦150 billion supplementary budget.
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Implementation timelines and responsible Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
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Impact assessment reports tied to the proposal.
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Any debt instruments or loan arrangements attached to the supplementary budget.
“We urge the Honourable Members of the House to remember they are trustees of public trust and not merely rubber stamps. Any fiscal action taken in secrecy undermines democratic integrity and fuels public distrust,” the statement warned.
FENRAD called on oversight institutions such as the Fiscal Responsibility Commission and the Abia State Budget Office to probe the approval process and ensure it aligns with principles of transparency and value-for-money governance.
The organization reaffirmed its resolve to keep holding leaders accountable while pushing for participatory governance across Nigeria.
Newspot Nigeria reports that the development has stirred debate among civil society groups and citizens in Abia State.
FULL STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
FENRAD Slams Abia State House of Assembly Over N150 Billion Supplementary Budget Approval Without Public Engagement
Calls for Proactive Disclosure and Inclusive Governance
Aba, Nigeria — August 24, 2025 — The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), a pro-democracy and environmental rights organization, has strongly criticized the Abia State House of Assembly for its hasty approval of a supplementary budget to the tune of ₦150 billion without adequate public engagement or constituency-level consultation.
In a statement released today, FENRAD condemned what it described as a “blatant disregard for transparency, accountability, and participatory governance,” emphasizing that the legislative action falls short of democratic norms and the spirit of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which upholds the sovereignty of the people.
“The passage of a supplementary budget of such magnitude without consulting constituents or engaging civil society stakeholders raises serious questions about legislative accountability and fiscal responsibility,” said Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD.
FENRAD noted that budgetary matters, especially supplementary budgets, should be subject to open hearings, stakeholder consultations, and community input, especially when they involve significant financial implications for current and future generations.
The organization further called on the Abia State Government and its legislative arm to embrace proactive disclosure in line with the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2011, urging the immediate publication of:
-
The full breakdown and justification of the ₦150 billion supplementary budget.
-
Implementation timelines and responsible MDAs;
-
The impact assessment reports (if any) related to the budget proposal;
-
Any debt instruments or loan arrangements tied to the supplementary budget.
“We urge the Honourable Members of the House to remember they are trustees of public trust and not merely rubber stamps. Any fiscal action taken in secrecy undermines democratic integrity and fuels public distrust,” the statement added.
FENRAD calls on all relevant oversight bodies, including the Fiscal Responsibility Commission and the Abia State Budget Office, to probe the circumstances surrounding the approval and ensure alignment with the principles of transparency and value-for-money.
The organization reaffirmed its commitment to holding public officials accountable and promoting participatory governance across Nigeria.
Signed
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director, FENRAD
Barr. Femisi Akande
Head, Litigation & Accountability, FENRAD
For media inquiries, please contact:
Head, Media and Public Engagement
Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD)
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +234 8033383708
Website: www.fenrad.org.ng
