The House of Representatives Committee on Appropriation has confirmed that the defense of the 2025 budget by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) will kick off on Tuesday, January 9. This announcement was made by the committee’s chairman, Abubakar Bichi, during an address to journalists in Abuja on Monday, just one day ahead of the exercise.
On December 18, 2024, President Bola Tinubu unveiled the proposed 2025 national budget, totaling a record N49.7 trillion, to the National Assembly. The budget, which Tinubu has called the “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” outlines the administration’s vision for stabilizing the economy, fostering growth, and creating a more prosperous future for Nigerians.
The appropriation bill had passed its second reading in both the Senate and House of Representatives the day after the presidential presentation, on December 19, setting the stage for detailed scrutiny by lawmakers.
Bichi further disclosed that the budget defense process would continue through to January 17, 2025, with final reports expected to be presented to the House on January 31. The committee intends to closely examine all aspects of the budget, ensuring that key priorities like infrastructure and national development are adequately funded to meet Nigeria’s growth aspirations.
“We are committed to studying the budget thoroughly. Our committees will look at every part of it because this budget is for the development of Nigerians—improving lives, building infrastructure, and creating opportunities,” Bichi said.
The defense process is expected to conclude with a harmonization session by January 22, before finalizing the bill for approval.
