The House of Representatives has announced its intention to commence deliberations on the 2025 appropriation bill on Tuesday. This significant legislative exercise will see Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) presenting their financial plans and justifications as part of the defence process for the proposed budget.
Abubakar Bichi, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, disclosed this during a Monday briefing following a consultative session with statutory committee chairpersons. Bichi reaffirmed the House’s commitment to ensuring the budget’s passage by the end of January 2025, emphasizing the legislative body’s determination to meet this critical timeline.
The 2025 budget proposal, valued at an impressive ₦49.7 trillion, was presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu on December 18, 2024. Dubbed “The Restoration Budget,” the proposal underscores the administration’s focus on fortifying security, enhancing infrastructure, and advancing health and education. These sectors received the lion’s share of allocations, signaling the government’s priorities for national development.
In his address to the joint session of the National Assembly, President Tinubu characterized the budget as a roadmap for securing peace and fostering prosperity. Concluding his 30-minute speech, he expressed optimism that the financial blueprint would serve as a catalyst for Nigeria’s growth and stability amidst prevailing economic and social challenges.
Breaking down the allocations, the President detailed the distribution of funds: defence and security were earmarked ₦4.91 trillion, infrastructure received ₦4.06 trillion, health was allocated ₦2.4 trillion, while education was granted ₦3.5 trillion. These figures underscore the administration’s resolve to address critical sectors pivotal to the nation’s progress.
Bichi further noted that the MDAs must approach the budget defence process with clarity and precision, as the legislature is determined to scrutinize every aspect of the appropriation bill. He urged all stakeholders involved to prioritize transparency and accountability, given the far-reaching implications of the budget on the nation’s economic trajectory.
With deliberations set to begin in earnest, the House of Representatives appears poised to play its pivotal role in shaping Nigeria’s fiscal framework for the year ahead. The passage of the budget within the stipulated timeline will mark a critical milestone in aligning government expenditures with developmental priorities.
