Atiku Expresses Concerns Over World Bank Report On Nigeria’s Fiscal Structure
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s fiscal management, following a recent report by the World Bank which highlighted structural weaknesses in the country’s public finance system.
Reacting to the report, Atiku described the findings as alarming, noting a disconnect between increasing government revenues and the declining welfare of citizens. He argued that despite improved revenue inflows, Nigerians are not experiencing corresponding economic benefits, a situation he said points to systemic inefficiencies and possible leakages in public finance management.
The World Bank report, part of its latest Nigeria Development Update, identified significant gaps in fiscal transparency, including the fragmentation of treasury operations and the existence of thousands of government accounts not fully integrated into the Treasury Single Account system. It also flagged weak coordination among key fiscal institutions and delays in financial reporting, which undermine accountability and credible budget planning.
Atiku, through his media aide, warned that such inconsistencies suggest deeper structural problems within Nigeria’s fiscal framework, including vulnerability to abuse and diversion of public funds. He called for urgent reforms to strengthen oversight, improve transparency, and ensure that public resources are efficiently deployed for the benefit of citizens.
He further stressed the need for the full integration of government revenues into a unified system and greater legislative scrutiny of public finances, arguing that these measures are critical to restoring public trust and stabilising the economy.
The former presidential candidate also criticised what he described as an opaque fiscal structure under the current administration of President Bola Tinubu, warning that without decisive reforms, Nigeria risks deepening its fiscal challenges despite ongoing revenue and tax reforms.
Economic analysts say the concerns raised by both the World Bank and Atiku underscore the urgency of addressing institutional weaknesses in Nigeria’s public finance architecture, particularly as the country navigates rising fiscal pressures and seeks to boost investor confidence.
