Reps back Tinubu on increment of 2025 budget from N49.7tr to N54.2tr

The House of Representatives is in support of President Bola Tinubu’s proposal to the National Assembly to increase the 2025 budget proposal from N49.7trillion to N54.2trillion, given prospects of additional revenue from key government agencies.

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over plenary sessions at the Red and Green Chambers respectively during the week, referred the President’s request to the Committees on Finance and Appropriations for consideration.

The House Deputy Spokesman, Philip Agbese, in a chat with reporters in Abuja, Friday, expressed the readiness of the National Assembly to endorse the President’s request since it is in the interest of Nigerians.

The Benue State-born lawmaker noted that the initiative by the President is not only bold but driven by the quest for additional revenue from key government agencies, which demonstrates the administration’s commitment to revitalising the economy and improving the lives of Nigerians.

Stating that critical sectors like agriculture will play a key role in the nation’s march to food security, he assured that the 10th House under the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas will go the whole distance to ensure a value-for-money budget is implemented in the 2025 fiscal year.

“As we delve into the details of the proposal, we’re particularly encouraged by the focus on strategic sectors, such as agriculture, which will receive a significant boost through the injection of funds into the Bank of Agriculture. This initiative has the potential to empower our farmers, stimulate rural development, and enhance food security,” he said.

“We also noted the proposal’s emphasis on enhancing national security, particularly the construction of barracks for our troops. This investment in our military’s welfare and infrastructure attests to the administration’s dedication to protecting our nation and its citizens.

“As we begin our scrutiny of the proposal, we’ll continue to be guided by our commitment to ensuring that every naira is allocated efficiently, effectively, and in the best interests of Nigerians.”