The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Rep. Philip Agbese, has dismissed criticism over delays in implementing the 2025 budget, insisting the process reflects transparency and careful economic planning.
Speaking with journalists in Abuja on Friday, Agbese commended President Bola Tinubu’s administration for what he described as a commitment to sustainable growth and accountability. He singled out the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, for what he called “meticulous efforts to align Nigeria’s economy with current realities.”
Signed into law in December 2024, the N28.7 trillion 2025 budget allocated N4.91 trillion to defence, N4.06 trillion to infrastructure, N3.5 trillion to education, and N2.4 trillion to health. However, eight months into the fiscal year, delays in releasing the capital component have slowed key projects, sparking public frustration and calls for an extension of implementation into 2026.
Agbese maintained that the National Assembly was monitoring progress and remained optimistic. “Some see delays, but I see diligence—Bagudu is ensuring fiscal responsibility by verifying expenditures to meet global standards,” he said.
He credited Bagudu with driving reforms that would enable a smooth rollout by late September, adding: “The minister’s approach guarantees that critical sectors like infrastructure and healthcare will be strengthened to secure a resilient future for generations.”
Agbese further linked Tinubu’s broader reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, to positive economic indicators such as a 3.46 per cent GDP growth in Q3 2024 and rising foreign reserves.
On the U.S. Department of State’s 2025 Fiscal Transparency Report, which flagged Nigeria for weak procurement practices, Agbese dismissed the findings as “outdated.” He argued that Nigeria’s Open Contracting Portal provides real-time access to bids, while the Bureau of Public Procurement enforces strict compliance with the Procurement Act.
“Our contract awards are open to global scrutiny, and citizens are empowered to flag irregularities. Lawmakers’ oversight has confirmed accountability in budget execution,” he stressed.
Calling for patience, Agbese assured Nigerians that visible results would be evident before the end of the year. “By December, communities will feel the impact—new roads, schools and hospitals transforming lives nationwide. With leaders like Bagudu, Nigerians can trust that change is not just promised but delivered,” he said.
