Cynthia Ezegwu
The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Philip Agbese, has dismissed criticism of delays in the implementation of the 2025 budget, insisting the Federal Government is prioritising transparency and sustainable economic growth.
Addressing journalists on Friday, Agbese commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration and lauded the leadership of the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, for what he described as meticulous planning aimed at aligning Nigeria’s economy with present realities.
The lawmaker said although public concerns had trailed delays in capital project execution, the National Assembly was monitoring the process and remained optimistic about full rollout by late September.
“Some see delays, but I see diligence and how Bagudu masterminds fiscal responsibility, verifying expenditures to align with global standards,” he said.
Agbese noted that the 2025 budget, signed into law in December 2024, allocated ₦4.91 trillion to defence, ₦4.06 trillion to infrastructure, ₦3.5 trillion to education and ₦2.4 trillion to health. He stressed that Bagudu’s approach would guarantee accountability and deliver visible results before the end of the year.
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He also cited Tinubu’s reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, as key drivers of the 3.46 per cent GDP growth recorded in the third quarter of 2024, alongside rising foreign reserves.
On the U.S. Department of State’s 2025 Fiscal Transparency Report, which flagged Nigeria for weak procurement processes, Agbese described the assessment as outdated, insisting that the Open Contracting Portal and the Bureau of Public Procurement had strengthened accountability in contract awards.
“By December, expect roads, schools and hospitals to transform communities. With leaders like Bagudu, Nigerians will soon see tangible change; new infrastructure, better education and improved healthcare uplifting lives nationwide,” he assured.