National interest will guide 2025 budget screening – Reps
The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Mr Philip Agbese, has assured Nigerians that the parliament will evaluate the 2025 budget proposal with the nation’s best interests in mind.
President Bola Tinubu presented a N49.74 trillion budget proposal to a joint session of the National Assembly on December 18, 2024, for consideration and passage.
On Monday, January 6, 2025, the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Abubakar Bichi, met with other committee chairmen in preparation for the commencement of budget defence sessions with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies on Tuesday.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Agbese emphasised that national interest would be the guiding principle in scrutinising the budget estimates.
He said, “As a House, we have no other interest apart from our collective national interest. All we are interested in is the good of our country and fellow Nigerians. As we embark on this important exercise, we will focus on critical sectors of the economy capable of stimulating growth and act accordingly.
“Of course, the security of our beloved country has been a pressing issue for years. Wealth, education, job creation, and the empowerment of youth and women are areas we will prioritize as we begin work on the 2025 budget proposal.”
The lawmaker, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, expressed confidence that Nigeria would regain its lost glory through the tough but necessary decisions taken by the Tinubu-led administration.
Agbese also called on Nigerians to remain patient with the Federal Government, assuring them that the current hardships would eventually lead to prosperity.
“We cannot deny the fact that times are hard. Our President has acknowledged this repeatedly, but the important thing is that this government is not sitting idly, waiting for manna to fall from heaven.
“Gradually, things are improving. We have seen a significant number of people access funds through the student loan scheme. This is a step forward in our quest for inclusive education for all.
“Abuja, the nation’s capital, is now a hub of construction activity with new roads being built and existing ones being rehabilitated. We owe this progress to Mr. President and the industrious Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike.”
Agbese urged Nigerians to remain optimistic and trust in President Tinubu’s vision to transform the country into a source of pride for the entire continent.
He also commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, and the Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, Abubakar Bichi, for their leadership.
“The readiness of lawmakers to begin work on the Appropriation Bill during the holiday season is a testament to their commitment to building a Nigeria that works for all,” Agbese said.
