Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan has called on President Bola Tinubu to ensure that the proposed ₦58.18 trillion 2026 budget delivers tangible benefits to Nigerians, warning that impressive figures alone do not guarantee meaningful impact.

Reacting to the president’s budget presentation at the National Assembly on Friday, the senator said attention should be placed on how the spending plan improves the daily lives of citizens rather than on its sheer size.

“It’s not the size of the budget but the quantum of impact felt by Nigerians,” Akpoti-Uduaghan said.

She noted that while the large budget reflects the scale of Nigeria’s economic challenges and ambitions, Nigerians are more concerned about concrete outcomes such as job creation, improved infrastructure, quality healthcare, better education, and stronger social services.

The senator also emphasised the need for accountability, stressing that responsibility does not lie with government alone.

“Leaders must do better, and citizens must demand accountability,” she added.

As a member of the Senate Committee on Finance, Akpoti-Uduaghan said she remains committed to transparency, prudent management of public funds, and people-centred budgeting. Her remarks reflect growing public concerns that increasing national budgets have not translated into sufficient improvements in welfare and economic stability.

President Tinubu had described the 2026 appropriation proposal as the “Budget of Consolidation, Renewed Resilience and Shared Prosperity,” saying it is aimed at sustaining recent economic gains, rebuilding investor confidence, and promoting inclusive growth. He also pledged stricter budget discipline, stronger revenue enforcement, and a firm security response to armed groups.