MTEF/FSP: Kalu tasks finance, budget ministers on health, security, pension refund, others

Senator Orji Uzor Kalu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Privatization, has called on Nigeria’s Finance and Budget Ministers to address critical issues outlined in the 2025-2027 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s budget presentation.

During a recent session with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Kalu raised concerns about the government’s plans to reduce interest rates, improve electricity infrastructure, and enhance the business environment to stimulate private sector investment and tackle unemployment.

He described Nigeria’s power transmission infrastructure as “comatose” and emphasized the need for functional electricity systems to drive industrial growth.

ALSO READ:Kaduna gov denies NLC claims, says minimum wage fully implemented

Kalu also criticized the government’s strategies on national security, questioning measures to secure Nigeria’s borders and their impact on economic stability. He argued that unprotected borders pose a significant risk to the country’s progress.

The senator highlighted the plight of pensioners, whose funds lose value due to inflation and currency depreciation, and urged the government to take decisive action to safeguard these funds.

On healthcare, he questioned budgetary allocations and proposed digitizing health services to improve access and efficiency, suggesting an approach similar to India’s digital health system to reduce mass migration of medical professionals.

Kalu urged the Ministers to provide detailed answers to these concerns, emphasizing the need for strategic planning and effective resource allocation to address Nigeria’s pressing challenges.