CSOs, Peter Obi Criticize Tinubu Government Over Spending, Power Bailout

CSOs, Peter Obi Criticize Tinubu Government Over Spending, Power Bailout, Revenue Management Amid Worsening Poverty

A coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and opposition figure Peter Obi have sharply criticised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu over its handling of public finances, economic policy, and service delivery, saying Nigerians continue to suffer despite record‑breaking federal budgets and interventions. In separate statements and public comments, the groups and the former presidential candidate highlighted concerns about government spending patterns, the effectiveness of bailouts especially in the power sector and the broader management of national revenue, which they argue have failed to improve livelihoods or reduce poverty. A coalition of more than 50 CSOs warned that deepening poverty, inequality, and deteriorating public services reflect a widening disconnect between government revenue and citizens’ wellbeing. The groups lamented that, despite federal budgets exceeding ₦100 trillion in just two years, ordinary Nigerians have seen little improvement in basic services or living standards. At a press conference, CSO representatives said the removal of fuel subsidies and a floating exchange rate, policies intended to strengthen government finances, have instead contributed to rising living costs without corresponding investments in social welfare or infrastructure. They also criticised escalating borrowing, saying successive loan approvals have increased the national debt without visible impact on the economic CSOs further expressed concern about high inflation, unemployment, and weak service delivery, with many Nigerians reportedly struggling to afford housing, food and transport. They accused political leaders of focusing on rhetoric while essential public services falter. Separately, Peter Obi has taken aim at the government’s handling of massive financial interventions in the electricity sector, particularly repeated approvals totalling trillions of naira intended to settle legacy debts. Obi said that successive tranches of funds including recent approvals of ₦3.3 trillion have not translated into tangible improvements in electricity supply, calling for greater transparency and accountability in public finance. Obi questioned whether previous allocations were ever fully implemented, stressing that the persistence of power shortages contradicts campaign-era pledges from the Tinubu administration. He urged the government to confront structural challenges in the power sector rather than recycle large budgetary approvals that yield little progress. Both civil society commentators and Obi criticised broad patterns of revenue management, saying ballooning government revenue has not translated into improved socio‑economic outcomes for citizens.

CSOs pointed to expanded government revenue partly driven by policy reforms but argued that increased funds have not improved critical sectors like health, education and infrastructure. They also criticised budget padding and weak scrutiny of borrowing by the National Assembly. Obi, meanwhile, linked concerns about fiscal transparency to larger questions of governance, warning that recurring bailouts without results feed public distrust and reinforce perceptions of mismanagement. The criticisms come against a backdrop of persistent economic hardship in Nigeria, where many citizens continue to face rising costs of living, high unemployment and limited access to basic services despite government claims of economic progress. Observers say the intensified scrutiny by CSOs and political figures underscores growing public frustration with perceived gaps between government spending and tangible improvements in Nigerians’ lives.