Atiku Questions N6.44bn Budget For 2026 World Cup

In a statement released on Wednesday by his spokesperson, Phrank Shaibu, Atiku argued that the appropriation of such a substantial sum—which was reportedly earmarked for logistics, camping, and match bonuses—now represents a significant misstep in fiscal planning, given that the national team did compete in the finals.

“How does a serious government budget N6.44 billion for presidential support for World Cup qualifiers after the country had already been eliminated? What competition was the money intended to support? Who inserted the provision, who approved it, and who was expected to benefit from an expenditure whose stated purpose had already ceased to exist?” Atiku queried.

He described the allocation as not merely an example of poor judgment but a damning indictment of the integrity of the budgeting process, saying it reinforced public suspicion that the national budget had become a warehouse for dubious expenditures, fiscal waste, and allocations without any defensible public purpose.

He emphasised that in light of the country’s economic challenges, the government cannot afford to treat public funds with levity.

Atiku further noted that the development raises broader questions about governance and oversight within the sports ministry, specifically regarding the forecasting and release of funds tied to uncertain sporting outcomes.

He urged the National Assembly to investigate the disbursement process and ensure the money is redirected toward pressing national needs rather than being expended on a competition Nigeria is no longer part of.