Auwal Rafsanjani: Without fiscal transparency, Nigeria won’t achieve SDGs by 2030

Auwal Rafsanjani, executive director of the Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC), has urged the federal government to improve Nigeria’s fiscal transparency and accountability if it wants to achieve the sustainable development goals (SDGs) by 2030.

Rafsanjani spoke on Monday at the launch of the 7th edition of the 204 ‘Shadow’ report which assessed Nigeria’s progress towards achieving key targets under SDG 16 — promoting peace, justice, and strong institutions.

CISLAC launched the report on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in New York.

Citing persistent inflation under President Bola Tinubu, Rafsanjani said millions of Nigerians have been further pushed into poverty.

“Compounding these hardships, we are witnessing an alarming misuse of public resources,” he said.

“For example, the N150 billion spent on the presidential jet and the commissioning of a N21 billion residence for the vice-president are decisions that directly contradict the message of austerity the government is asking its people to embrace.

“These actions fuel public distrust in leadership and foster a perception of impunity among the political class.”

Rafsanjani said Nigeria’s N5.99 trillion revenue in comparison to its N19.50 trillion expenditure is troubling.

Over 70 percent of the revenue was allocated to debt servicing, the report said.

“These stark fiscal imbalances represent a massive obstacle to sustainable development. Without significant reform, Nigeria’s aspirations of meeting the SDGs by 2030 will remain out of reach,” Rafsanjani added.

The CISLAC executive director called for the establishment of a dedicated oversight body to monitor budgetary processes that will help prevent fiscal mismanagement and bolster accountability.

He also urged for the strengthening of anti-corruption mechanisms in the security sector, noting that transparency in the operations and expenditures of security agencies is essential for restoring public trust and effectiveness in combating organised crime.

Rafsanjani added that the national assembly must play a more active role in scrutinising budget proposals and expenditures, saying increased public participation in the budget process will foster greater accountability and ensure that public resources are utilised effectively.

Rafsanjani also cited the protection of press freedom and access to information as a way to promote stronger institutions.

“The Nigerian government should take active steps to safeguard press freedom by ensuring that journalists can operate without fear of arrest, intimidation, or violence,” he said.

“This includes repealing or amending any laws that unduly restrict media freedom and establishing a legal framework that guarantees access to public information.

“Support for independent media and investigative journalism should be increased, and any attacks on journalists should be swiftly addressed.”

The CISLAC executive director said press freedom embodies a true democratic society.