The Federal Government has dismissed claims that it spent more than ₦8 trillion outside the approved budget, describing the allegation as false and a misrepresentation of the 2026 IMF Article IV Consultation Report.

Officials clarified that the IMF’s report was misinterpreted and that Nigeria’s fiscal operations remain within the framework of the approved national budget. The government stressed that it has not engaged in unauthorized expenditures and reaffirmed its commitment to transparency and accountability in public finance.

This rebuttal comes amid heightened scrutiny of Nigeria’s economic management, with critics pointing to rising debt and inflation. By rejecting the claim, the government seeks to reassure citizens and international partners that fiscal discipline is being maintained.

The controversy highlights the tension between IMF assessments and Nigeria’s fiscal policy, raising questions about how economic reports are interpreted and communicated to the public.