THE House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations has expressed growing concern over the slow pace of implementation of the 2024–2025 Appropriations Act, summoning the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, to provide explanations.
News Point Nigeria reports that the lawmakers engaged the ministers behind closed doors on Wednesday in Abuja, pressing for clarity on why Nigerians have yet to feel the impact of the budget, despite the government’s assurances.
Briefing journalists after the session, Chairman of the Committee, Abubakar Bichi (APC–Kano), said Nigerians were worried about the execution of the budget, particularly as the country battles rising living costs, inflation, and stalled infrastructure projects.
“We have engaged with the Ministers of Finance and Budget; both acknowledged the concerns and assured us of their commitment to work harder so that Nigerians can begin to see visible results from the budget,” Bichi said.
“Our members are seriously concerned, and the ministers have promised that before the end of this year, Nigerians will witness significant changes and developments. They have given us their word, and we will be monitoring closely.”
Responding, Finance Minister Wale Edun disclosed that as of September 2025, about 80 per cent of the 2024 budget had been implemented.
“Overall, implementation is at about 80 per cent. As you know, the National Assembly extended the 2024 budget till December, so it is still running. We also reviewed the 2025 budget, focusing on grassroots projects and critical infrastructure such as roads, irrigation, and other facilities that directly impact Nigerians,” Edun said.
The minister insisted that discussions with lawmakers focused on ensuring that resources are directed at projects with real impact. “Particularly, the projects that touch the grassroots, that provide support, resources, and facilities like irrigation and other infrastructure projects at the grassroots level, are given adequate attention and priority.”
On concerns over extra spending, Edun clarified that “there was no discussion on a supplementary budget for 2025.”
On his part, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, noted that the lawmakers appreciated the administration’s achievements and its cordial working relationship with the National Assembly.
“The National Assembly has supported all major reform initiatives of this administration, including the recent tax reforms, which are already yielding results,” Bagudu said.
He stressed that the engagement was constructive, adding that it helped both sides identify areas where improvements in budget execution were still required.
Despite reassurances, the committee emphasised that Nigerians expect tangible results from the budget, especially in the form of improved infrastructure, jobs, and social services.