Atiku Demands Probe Over IMF’s Missing 2% GDP Disclosure

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for an independent investigation into the International Monetary Fund’s disclosure that public expenditure equivalent to about two per cent of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product was omitted from recent national budgets, linking the revelation to the controversy surrounding the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council.

Atiku made the demand in a statement issued on Saturday, July 4, 2026, through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication, Phrank Shaibu, describing the development as a constitutional and accountability issue that requires urgent scrutiny.

The statement followed the IMF’s disclosure on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, that government expenditure equivalent to about two per cent of Nigeria’s GDP, estimated at approximately ₦8.83 trillion based on the country’s 2025 nominal GDP, was not reflected in official budget documents, creating a gap between the reported fiscal deficit and the government’s actual financing needs.

Questioning the omission, Atiku said the matter went beyond an accounting error.

“The Constitution is not a book of suggestions.”

“Section 80 is unequivocal: no money shall be withdrawn from the Consolidated Revenue Fund except in the manner prescribed by the National Assembly.”

“Budgetary appropriation is not a ceremonial exercise; it is the legal authority upon which every kobo of public expenditure rests.”

He added: “If, as the IMF has revealed, expenditure amounting to two per cent of Nigeria’s GDP was omitted from the budget process, then Nigerians are entitled to one simple question: Who stole the missing two per cent of our GDP?”

Atiku argued that the IMF’s disclosure reinforced concerns raised by the controversy over the alleged Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council, which the Presidency has denied establishing.

“The discovery that a fictitious agency found its way into official government processes and budgetary allocations should alarm every patriotic Nigerian.”

“Now, the IMF tells us that expenditure equivalent to two per cent of our GDP was kept outside the budget.”

“These are not disconnected events.”

“Together, they point to a dangerous culture of institutional corruption.”

The former vice president also questioned the government’s spending priorities, alleging that while the Federal Ministry of Health reportedly received only ₦36 million in releases despite an appropriation of more than ₦218 billion, the alleged council received about ₦1.3 billion.

“Nothing better illustrates the warped priorities of this administration than a government that starves hospitals and healthcare programmes of funds while ghost agencies somehow find billions waiting for them.”

“This is not fiscal management; it is institutionalised corruption.”

Atiku further called on Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume to explain how the alleged council obtained official recognition within government.

He also referenced allegations by Adeniyi Adeyemi, who claimed the dispute surrounding the council escalated after he refused a demand for a 48 per cent kickback on a proposed ₦27.3 billion take-off grant.

Those allegations have not been proven in court.

Atiku urged the National Assembly, the Auditor-General of the Federation, the Public Accounts Committees of both chambers, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission to investigate the IMF’s findings and ensure accountability.

The IMF did not accuse any individual or institution of theft. It said the omission of about two per cent of GDP from recent budget records reflected gaps in fiscal reporting and recommended stronger transparency and public financial management.