The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has dismissed concerns over delays in implementing the 2025 budget, insisting that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains on course with its economic policies.
Agbese, who spoke to newsmen on Friday, commended the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, for what he described as meticulous planning to align Nigeria’s economy with present realities.
The 2025 budget, signed into law in December 2024, allocated N4.91 trillion to defence, N4.06 trillion to infrastructure, N3.5 trillion to education, and N2.4 trillion to health.
However, eight months into the fiscal year, delays in the release of funds for capital projects have raised public concerns and calls for an extension into 2026.
Agbese explained that while the public may see delays, the government was exercising caution to ensure accountability. “Some see delays, but I see diligence and how Bagudu masterminds fiscal responsibility, verifying expenditures to align with global standards,” he said.
He assured Nigerians that capital projects would roll out seamlessly by late September, describing Bagudu’s role as transformative.
“Bagudu ensures our budget meets fiscal plans, addresses critical needs like infrastructure and healthcare, and builds a resilient future for generations,” Agbese added.
The lawmaker argued that Tinubu’s reforms, such as the removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of exchange rates, had boosted Nigeria’s GDP growth to 3.46 per cent in the third quarter of 2024 and increased foreign reserves.
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Agbese dismissed the U.S. Department of State’s 2025 Fiscal Transparency Report, which flagged Nigeria for weak procurement processes, insisting the findings were outdated.
He noted that Nigeria’s Open Contracting Portal and the Bureau of Public Procurement now ensure real-time access to bids and strict compliance with the Procurement Act.
He further stated that Bagudu’s leadership had empowered citizens to identify irregularities, while the National Assembly maintained strict oversight to confirm accountability in the use of funds.
The Deputy Spokesman urged Nigerians to remain patient, assuring that visible results would be evident before the end of the year.
“By December, expect roads, schools and hospitals to transform communities. With leaders like Bagudu, Nigerians will soon see tangible change, new infrastructure, better education and improved healthcare uplifting lives nationwide,” he said.
Rafiyat Sadiq is a political, justice, and human rights reporter with Pinnacle Daily, known for fearless reporting and impactful storytelling. At Pinnacle Daily, she brings clarity and depth to issues shaping governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.
