•to prioritise economic growth, security, health, education, job creation, education
The Deputy Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Phillip Agbese on Tuesday disclosed that the House will adopt stringent parameters during the scrutiny of the N49.74 trillion budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year.
Hon. Agbese who disclosed this during in Abuja during a media chat with Parliamentary Correspondents, assured that the Parliament will prioritize critical sectors of the economy capable of stimulating economic growth, security, health, education, job creation, education, youth and women empowerment.
He said: “The budget as proposed by Mr. President will be thoroughly scrutinized by the parliament before passage.
“It is the duty of the executive to propose a budget but as a parliament, we will look at the proposals and do our job as an independent arm of government.
“As we did in 2024, we will be guided by the needs of the nation in arriving at a final estimate that we will pass and transmit to the President for his assent.”
The Benue lawmaker further assured that various Standing Committees which constitute the Appropriation’s Sub-Committees which convened on Monday will work both day and night to ensure the timely passage of the 2025 budget.
“Last year, we cut short our holiday to work on the 2024 budget. This is already playing out again as we have commenced the defence of the 2025 budget estimates starting with the Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
“The 10th House led by the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, PhD is committed to the welfare of Nigerians. As a result, it is prepared to work relentlessly on the proposal to ensure that the budget works for the nation.
“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 for, as we begin our job on the 2025 budget proposal.
“The leadership through the Committees has set a very tedious template on what MDAs must meet before approving any estimate.
“MDAs must show how much they have complied with due process of law in implementing the previous budget, convince lawmakers about their understanding of the President’s vision in the areas of responsibility and equally be able to justify that they have what it takes to spend Nigerian tax payers’ money.
“Mr. Speaker is very particular about accountability and due process.
“Agencies which fail to meet our parameters as a Parliament will have no allocation for capital projects in 2025. This is exactly why we are voted by Nigerians,” Hon. Agbese noted.
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