The House of Representatives has completed its review of the N49.70 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu in December 2024, according to Deputy Spokesman Philip Agbese.
During the presentation of the Appropriation Bill, President Tinubu outlined that the budget targets a revenue of N34.82 trillion, which will fund key sectors, including N15.81 trillion earmarked for debt servicing.
The proposed budget focuses on critical areas such as defence and security, infrastructure, health, and education. Defence and security are allocated N4.91 trillion, while infrastructure is set to receive N4.06 trillion. Health has been allocated N2.48 trillion, and education is proposed to receive N3.52 trillion.
In his address, President Tinubu reaffirmed the government’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s economic foundation. “As we embark on implementing the 2025 budget, our steps are deliberate, our decisions resolute, and our priorities are clear. This budget reflects a renewed commitment to strengthening the foundation of a robust economy while addressing critical sectors essential for growth and development,” he said.
Speaking on the review process, Agbese, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) from Benue State, stated that various committees of the House had worked diligently to examine the budget estimates from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs). “We commenced the defence of the 2025 budget estimates earlier this month and so far, we have done a good job. We asked relevant questions and demanded explanations where necessary,” he said.
Agbese noted that some MDAs presented robust proposals, while others were less convincing. He emphasized that the House conducted a thorough examination of the budget to ensure that public funds are spent effectively and responsibly. “We made it clear that we will not approve frivolous demands. Ministers and agency heads were told to explore innovative ways of generating revenue to enable the government to run efficiently,” he added.
The Deputy Spokesman underscored the House’s commitment to integrity in handling national issues, asserting that the interests of Nigerians would remain the top priority. “The budget is about Nigerians, and anything contrary to their interests will not be of interest to us,” Agbese stated.
He called on Nigerians to continue supporting the Tinubu-led administration in its efforts to revitalize the economy and deliver effective governance.
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