The Impact of Budget Padding to the Nigeria Economy and Welfare of Citizens

The study is aimed at evaluating the budgetary issues relating to budget padding using data collected from different sectors of the economy in Northeastern zone . The main objective of the study is to examine the Impact of budget padding on the economic growth of Nigeria and the influence of budget padding on the welfare of the masses by the government. The research method adopted in this work is the survey research techniques Data were collected from primary source and secondary source for the study. However, as a survey study the data for the research will be collected through questionnaire and interview, the research design used for this study is both quantitative and qualitative. The study adopts simple random sample as the sampling techniques. The population is subdivided into clusters: agricultural, manufacturing, commerce, Education, communication, quarrying and mining sectors. This is to ensure that the study captures the effects of budget padding on various sectors of the economy. Hence, fifty (50) members of each cluster were selected to be members of the sample for this study and we have a three hundred (300) sample size. Total of 300 questionnaires were distributed out of which only 250 were properly filled and returned which represent83.3% return rate. Our analysis was based on the return questionnaire. The findings of the study reveals that Budget Padding was not constitutional and could affect productivity, Output, Export, Balance of payment, foreign exchange, gross domestic Product and foreign reserve negatively. Based on the findings the study recommended that the Executive arm of the government should adopt yearly publication of the appropriation bills before sending to the legislature and the government should employ competent staff that will be checkmating the activities of the budget office. The legislature should be excising the power as invested on them by the constitution in such a way and manner that shall be beneficial to the masses and the nation at large, the budget can only be influenced when such action can benefit the economic growth and development of that country also it is high time the citizens speak out and collectively hold their elected representative accountable