How Political and Economic Interests Shape Budget Making Process in Nigeria’s 9th National Assembly
Keywords:
Duplication; Budget Padding; Corruption; Governance; DevelopmentAbstract
This study investigates the influence of politics and economic interests on the budget-making process in Nigeria’s 9th National Assembly (NASS). The study employed a survey-methods research design, combining the quantitative and qualitative approaches. The target population for the study is 2,056, which includes members and committees’ staff of the NASS, and staff from the Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget Office, and Civil Society Organizations. Data were collected using a questionnaire and Key Informant Interviews (KIIs). Out of the population, 398 were sampled using the Yamane formula for the determination of sample size. The 398 copies of the questionnaire were administered using Probability Proportionate to Population Size (PPPS). For KIIs, purposive sampling techniques were used to select 24 individuals based on the saturation law of sample size. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analyses. The study finds that political and economic interests significantly shape the budget process, with powerful political figures, particularly committee members, using their positions to influence budget allocations for personal or partisan gain. These practices undermine the transparency, accountability, and effectiveness of the process. The study recommends enhancing oversight mechanisms, enforcing anti-corruption measures, and increasing public participation to improve the integrity of the budget-making process in Nigeria.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Adebola Rafiu Bakare, Fatai Ayinde Aremu, Abdulwasiu Sanusi
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