We’ll prioritise national interest in 2025 budget review — Reps

The deputy spokesman of the House of Representatives, Mr Philip Agbese, has assured Nigerians that the parliament will work on the 2025 budget proposal in the interest of the nation.

 

Recall that President Bola Tinubu on December 18, 2024, presented a N49. 74tn budget proposal to a joint session of the National Assembly for consideration and passage.

 

On Monday, the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Abubakar Bichi, met with other committee chairmen as defence of the estimates commenced with Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government on Tuesday.

 

Speaking in an exclusive interview with PUNCH Online, Agbese said priority would be accorded to national interest 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. So, as we embark on this important exercise, we will look at critical sectors of the economy capable of stimulating economic growth and act accordingly.

 

“Of course, you know that the security of our beloved country has been a top issue for years. Health, education, job creation, education and empowerment of the youth and women are areas we will be looking at as we begin our job on the 2025 budget proposal.”

 

The lawmaker, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, added that in the years ahead, Nigeria will regain her lost glory given the tough but necessary decisions taken by the Tinubu-led administration.

 

Agbese called on Nigerians to be patient with the Federal Government, noting that the pains of today will give way to prosperity in the future.

 

“We cannot deny the fact that the times are hard. Our President has stated this time and again but the important thing is that this government is not just sitting down and expecting manna to come from heaven.

 

“Gradually, things are picking up. We have seen a significant number of persons access funds through the student loan scheme. This is a plus to our quest for inclusive education for all.

 

“Abuja, the nation’s capital is now a huge construction site for new roads and rehabilitation of existing ones. We have Mr President and the workaholic Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike to thank for this.

 

“We must be optimistic as a nation and trust in Mr President’s drive to make this country a nation of pride to the entire continent,” he added.

 

Agbese also commended the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas and the Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations, Abubakar Bichi for their leadership.

 

He added, “The readiness of lawmakers to begin work on the Appropriation Bill while on holiday is a testament to their commitment to a Nigeria that works for all.”

 

 

 

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