Atiku Calls for Revenue Oversight Amid Poverty Concerns

On Wednesday, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar called on the Nigerian National Assembly to intensify its oversight of the country's revenue management. This appeal follows a World Bank report that describes Nigeria's fiscal realities as deeply troubling, noting that despite rising revenue, there has been no corresponding improvement in citizen welfare.

Atiku emphasized the need for transparency and accountability in the management of public funds, criticizing the current administration under Bola Ahmed Tinubu for operating an opaque financial structure that enables corruption. He highlighted the urgency for structural reforms in revenue agencies and called for a comprehensive review of the budgeting process.

The report also indicated that Nigeria's poverty rate is projected to rise to 63% by 2025, affecting approximately 140 million Nigerians, which Atiku linked to the government's failure to ensure that revenue translates into tangible benefits for the populace. He warned that the current economic management path cannot sustain rising revenue while deepening poverty.