BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION, UNSPENT ALLOCATIONS AND DIALECTICS OF UNDERDEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA, 1999 - 2016

Abstract

The paper looks at budget implementation, unspent allocations and crisis development in Nigeria. It focuses mainly on budget implementation in Nigeria with a view to determining the extent unspent allocation and corruption have affected the nation’s development aspirations. The paper argues that budget implementation in Nigeria has become a mere annual ritual that has failed to swiftly propel development trajectories especially since the return to democratic governance in 1999. Consequently, it emphasized that high incidences of corrupt practices have hampered the processes of budget preparation and implementation in Nigeria. Thus, progressive increments on the amount budgeted annually have not translated to a corresponding improvement in the lives of Nigerians. Using qualitative descriptive analysis, this study adopted documentary method of data collection, while relying on elite theory as its theoretical guide. The study concludes that the failure of national budgets is a critical factor in the state of underdevelopment in Nigeria. It therefore, recommended attitudinal change of the Nigerian leaders, strengthening of appropriate institutions and the emergence of vibrant civil society that will compel leaders to assiduously act responsibly for the fulfillment of national goals.