By Emmanuella Oghenetega
The Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOTiON), a coalition of over 50 social movement groups representing more than 30 million Nigerians, has urged the National Assembly to pass a pro-poor 2025 budget, take action on the economic crisis, and release #EndBadGovernance protesters.
The group cited worsening economic conditions, pervasive insecurity, and a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy and stability.
In a statement signed by Hauwa Mustapha, Convener, MOTION, the group warned of a grave threat to Nigeria’s democracy and stability, with inflation climbing from 33.88 per cent in October 2024 to 34.8 per cent in January 2025, and acute food insecurity projected by FEWS to worsen between February and May 2025,
Speaking after its steering committee meeting, the Convener, Comrade Hauwa, stated: “The 2025 budget, in its current form, fails to address the critical needs of millions of Nigerians grappling with poverty, hunger, Andy insecurity. The National Assembly must ensure the budget reflects and prioritizes the welfare of the masses, particularly those most affected by IMFAWorld Bank austerity measures, not a privileged few.”
With PWWC projecting an additional 13 million Nigerians could fall below the poverty line in 2025, Comrade Hauwa emphasized that the proposed budget prioritizes recurrent spending
(N14.8 trillion, a 19.66% increase), while capital expenditure remained insufficient at N14.1 trillion (a mere 12.5% increase). The alarming 96.75% rise in debt servicing further strains the government’s ability to invest in critical sectors.
It was further revealed that despite the urgent need for investment in human capital, the allocations to health, education, and agriculture remained below African Union recommendations (159% for health, 20% for education, and 10% for agriculture), exacerbating Nigeria’s developmental challenges.
MOTION, therefore, warned that failing to address these issues, risks further marginalizing millions of Nigerians.
In response to recent allegations of an extortion scheme involving National Assembly members demanding N8 milion bribes from vice chancellors for budget approvals, Comrade Hauwa declared, “MOTiON condemns this shocking abuse of power and betrayal of public trust.
Such corruption diverts critical resources from addressing the country’s pressing challenges.”
MOTION also expressed deep concern over the ongoing persecution of the eleven
#EndBadGovernance protesters facing trumped-up charges of treason and terrorism financing.
Comrade Hauwa described this as a blatant attack on democratic rights, adding “These unjust charges are a desperate attempt to silence dissent and stifle calls for accountability.”
MOTiON specifically demanded that: “All anti-corruption agencies urgently investigate and prosecute individuals involved in the extortion scheme; Failure to act will deepen public disillusionment with governance; The National Assembly must review the 2025 budget proposal, eliminating unnecessary expenditures, blocking financial mismanagement, and redirecting resources to sustainable solutions; Budgetary allocations must prioritize essential social services, including healthcare, education, and social protection programmes, to support vulnerable populations and reduce inequality; Federal and state governments must implement pro-poor policies that generate employment, invest in local industries, and stabilize the economy with targeted subsidies; All charges against the #EndBad Governance activists must be dropped immediately, and the government must end its systemic repression of workers, activists, and social movements.
Comrade Hauwa further stated, that “Given the worsening insecurity, that the Federal Government must strengthen measures to combat terrorism and banditry while addressing the root causes of violence through dialogue and reconciliation. The National Assembly must ensure the budget reflects the needs of the people. This is not the time for business as usual. The collective frustration of Nigerians is nearing a tipping point, and the consequences of continued neglect could be dire for those in power.”
