The House of Representatives is advocating for increased funding for several government agencies, beyond what has been proposed in the 2025 budget estimates.
Deputy Spokesman of the House, Philip Agbese, made this known on Monday. With the National Assembly set to possibly pass the N49.70 trillion 2025 budget proposal this week, Agbese told reporters that certain agencies, which are crucial to the nation’s socio-economic development, have been identified for enhanced funding in the upcoming fiscal year.
While reiterating the commitment of the Speaker Tajudeen Abbas-led House to playing its part in birthing a new Nigeria; the lawmaker enjoined Nigerians to be hopeful, noting that the current hardship being felt across the country will soon give way to national prosperity.
According to the All Progressives Congress lawmaker, the time has come for the reformation of the NYSC scheme, given its contribution to the manpower needs of the nation in both the public and private sectors.
He made a similar argument for the NDA, noting that “At a time terrorists continue to come up with new strategies despite the gallantry of our troops; we cannot but devise means to outwit them. One of the ways to do this is to improve the funding of the institutions charged with the mandate of building the capacity of our security personnel to tackle emerging security challenges.
“In all this, we also realized that the budget envelope system is not enough to meet the capital expenditure needs of most of these agencies. If you recall when the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle appeared before the House Committee on Defence to defend the ministry’s budget; one of the things he complained about was the paltry allocation of N50bn in the 2025 budget proposal. It is the same story for other agencies of government.”
He also noted that foreign missions deserve commendation for their services to the nation, adding that an upward review of their budget estimates has been agreed by the House.
Agbese urged Nigerians to stay optimistic in the New Year, noting that the Federal Government with the support of the National Assembly is working hard to make life enjoyable to the citizens within the shortest possible time.
