Following President Tinubu’s unveiling of the 2025 budget proposal amounting to N47.9 trillion during a joint session of the National Assembly, Senate President Godswill Akpabio has called on ministers and heads of federal agencies to prepare to justify their respective budget allocations.
In his opening remarks titled “A Call to Unity and Progress” during the presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, Akpabio warned that failure to attend the National Assembly’s invitation would result in consequences.
He praised President Tinubu for his ongoing commitment to teamwork and collaboration with the National Assembly in pursuit of his ambitious vision for Nigeria.
“Let me take this time to emphasize the necessity for Honourable Ministers and heads of extra-ministerial departments to be ready to promptly address inquiries regarding their sectoral allocations as part of our legislative oversight responsibilities,” he asserted.
Akpabio noted troubling trends among some ministers and agency heads who have occasionally neglected their responsibilities by not timely responding to legislative oversight requests or ignoring invitations from relevant committees.
“It is crucial they comprehend that such violations of the Constitution will not be tolerated moving forward,” he added.
He reassured the President that National Assembly members would act as his representatives throughout the nation, stating, “While you may not be able to be everywhere, we are your eyes everywhere.”
“We, the esteemed Senators and Honourable Members of the House of Representatives, serve as your eyes in our constituencies and in every region of Nigeria. When our constituents face difficulties affording basic necessities like rice, they reach out to us. When they experience discomfort, they seek our help. When economic issues arise, they turn to us.”
“As such, we are committed to ensuring that you resonate with the hearts and needs of Nigerians through these Appropriation Bills, which symbolize hope and herald the beginning of Nigeria’s economic revival,” he remarked.
Akpabio commended Tinubu for his accomplishments in the 18 months since taking office, noting that Nigerians are aware of the progress made in the country.
“Nigerians are recognizing your significant achievements: you have increased total government revenues to over N18.32 trillion, reduced debt servicing costs from 97% to 68%, fulfilled $7.5 billion in foreign currency obligations, ramped up oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day, and initiated the Compressed Natural Gas program.”
“Your administration has disbursed over N45.6 billion for student payments, enacted the National Minimum Wage Law, raised the national minimum wage to N70,000 per month, and provided more than N570 billion in financial assistance to the 36 states,” he highlighted.
Akpabio assured the President of a prompt evaluation of the 2025 Appropriation Bills to ensure timely passage.
“We will adhere to due process during the passage of these bills. We will act justly and fairly, conducting public hearings to guarantee that the voices of Nigerians resonate within the budget, as all budgets belong to the people. If public sentiment calls for adjustments to specific allocations, we will be responsive, ensuring that such modifications are not misinterpreted as padding.”
