The Federal Government of Nigeria has denied allegations that it spent more than ₦8 trillion outside the approved national budget, describing the claim as misleading and inaccurate.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the Federal Ministry of Finance said the government does not operate a “shadow budget” or expend public funds outside constitutional and statutory provisions.

The statement, signed by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, followed public commentary linked to observations attributed to the International Monetary Fund and its 2026 Article IV Consultation Report.

The ministry stated that all government expenditures are carried out through Appropriation Acts, Supplementary Appropriation Acts, and other statutory approvals by the National Assembly, in line with Sections 80 to 83 and 162 of the 1999 Constitution.

It explained that multi-year capital projects spanning different budget cycles are implemented within existing legal provisions and should not be misconstrued as off-budget spending.

The government challenged those making the allegations to provide verifiable evidence of projects executed without legislative approval, insisting that claims of secret spending were unfounded.

It further clarified that statutory transfers, debt servicing, and special interventions are lawful expenditures recognised within Nigeria’s public finance framework and disclosed in fiscal reports, even where presentation differs under international reporting standards.

The ministry also rejected suggestions that the alleged amount represents an increase in the country’s fiscal deficit, noting that financing methods do not automatically translate into higher deficits.

The government added that the International Monetary Fund observations focused on fiscal reporting practices rather than the legality of government spending.

It reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, accountability, and prudent fiscal management, highlighting ongoing reforms aimed at improving budgeting, revenue administration, and financial reporting.