2025 budget on track, Tinubu’s policies delivering results — Agbese

The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Phillip Agbese, on Friday dismissed criticism over the delay in rolling out the 2025 budget.

Agbese, who spoke during a media chat in Abuja, commended the exemplary leadership of the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, for meticulously planning Nigeria’s economy to align with the country’s economic posture.

He lauded President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its steadfast focus on transparency and sustainable economic growth.

It would be recalled that the 2025 budget was signed into law in December 2024. The budget earmarked N4.91 trillion for defence, N4.06 trillion for infrastructure, N3.5 trillion for education, and N2.4 trillion for health.

Eight months into the fiscal year, several hurdles have slowed capital projects, prompting public frustration and calls for an extension into 2026.

According to Agbese, it’s the capital component that has been delayed, but as a parliament, we monitored the executive on the implementation of the entire budget and remain optimistic that all is well.

“Some see delays, but I see diligence and how Bagudu masterminds fiscal responsibility, verifying expenditures to align with global standards.”

He said that the minister’s work is paving the way for a seamless budget rollout by late September.

Agbese hailed Bagudu’s visionary leadership and operational brilliance, crediting him with transformative reforms.

“Bagudu ensures our budget meets fiscal plans, addresses critical needs like infrastructure and healthcare, and builds a resilient future for generations,” Agbese said.

“Bagudu’s strategic foresight is reshaping Nigeria’s economic landscape. He’s building a framework that prioritises transparency and endurance.”

He added that the minister’s integration of project verifications with expenditure data ensured every allocation is traceable, fostering public trust.

He pointed to Tinubu’s reforms, including subsidy removal and unified exchange rates, which he said had yielded a 3.46% GDP growth in Q3 2024 and rising foreign reserves as proof of progress.

According to him, this is a government delivering results, not rhetoric.

The lawmaker dismissed the US Department of State’s 2025 Fiscal Transparency Report, which flagged Nigeria for weak procurement transparency, as outdated.

“Our Open Contracting Portal offers real-time bid access, and the Bureau of Public Procurement enforces strict tendering rules,” Agbese stated.

“Contract awards under Tinubu follow the Procurement Act, open to global scrutiny.

He added that Bagudu had empowered citizens to flag irregularities, and the lawmakers’ oversight confirmed their integrity.

Hon. Agbese, however, urged Nigerians to trust the administration, adding that Bagudu is crafting a legacy of accountability.

According to him, by December, expect roads, schools, and hospitals to transform communities.”

Hon. Agbese expressed unwavering confidence in the ability to steer Nigeria’s economic course.

“Bagudu’s data-driven policies, relentless execution, are a beacon for progress,” he declared.

“The Minister is not cutting corners; he is building a foundation for lasting prosperity.”

Appealing for patience, he assured citizens that Tinubu’s vision for growth at every level is still very much alive.

“With leaders like Bagudu, Nigerians will soon see tangible change, new infrastructure, better education, and improved healthcare uplifting lives nationwide,” he said.

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