The House of Representatives has expressed discontent with the Executive, led by President Bola Tinubu, regarding the delays in submitting the 2025 budget proposal to the National Assembly.
The lower chamber noted that the Executive’s non-compliance with Section 11(1)(b) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 is effectively taking away the time the National Assembly needs to fulfill its duties as outlined in Section 88(2)(b).
Lawmakers called on the Executive to adhere to Section 11(1)(b) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007. They also instructed the committees on National Planning and Economic Development, Appropriation, and Finance to ensure compliance within two weeks.
This decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance raised during Wednesday’s plenary by Clement Jimbo.
In presenting the motion, Jimbo emphasized that the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 aims for the prudent management of national resources and the long-term macroeconomic stability of the economy. He noted that it promotes greater accountability and transparency in fiscal operations within a medium-term fiscal policy framework and establishes the Fiscal Responsibility Commission to uphold the nation’s economic objectives.
Jimbo pointed out that Section 11(1)(b) requires the Federal Government to prepare and present the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) to the National Assembly no later than four months before the next financial year begins.
He referenced Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, along with Section 30(1) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007, which grants each House of the National Assembly the authority to direct investigations into matters related to its legislative powers, including the conduct of any individual or government authority responsible for administering laws or managing funds appropriated by the National Assembly.
The House resolved to “urge the Executive to comply with Section 11(1)(b) and submit the 2025 budget proposal to the National Assembly without further delay.”
