The Nigerian Senate is on the verge of completing its review of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, with the Appropriation Committee expected to submit its final report for deliberation and possible approval within the week.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, while presiding over Tuesday’s plenary session, announced that the report might be presented as early as Wednesday, setting the stage for legislative debate on the N54.2 trillion budget proposal. He expressed confidence that once submitted, lawmakers would promptly commence discussions on the financial blueprint for the coming fiscal year.
The plenary session was marked by a noticeable reduction in attendance, which Akpabio attributed to the ongoing work of various Senate committees. He explained that several lawmakers were engaged in finalizing the details of the budget in their respective committees, underscoring the importance of their input in ensuring a thorough review before its submission to the Senate for approval.
Akpabio made these remarks following a debate on a bill proposing the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture in Abak, Akwa Ibom State. While commending his colleagues for their contributions to the legislative agenda, he stressed the urgency of concluding discussions on other matters to allow the Senate to prioritize the budget review process.
“You will observe that some of our colleagues are not in the chamber because they are putting the required final touches on the 2025 Appropriation Bill,” Akpabio stated. “The report will possibly be laid before us tomorrow (Wednesday) or the next day (Thursday) this week.”
He further emphasized the necessity of streamlining the day’s legislative proceedings to facilitate collective efforts toward the final consideration and passage of the budget. “We need to close early to allow for coordinated efforts in that direction,” he added.
The Senate’s anticipated deliberations on the budget will play a crucial role in shaping Nigeria’s economic direction for the coming year. Once the Appropriation Committee submits its report, lawmakers will examine its provisions, scrutinize allocations, and make necessary adjustments before granting final approval.
The proposed N54.2 trillion budget represents a significant financial plan for the country, and its passage is expected to impact key sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and security. The swift conclusion of the Senate’s review process will determine how soon the appropriation bill can be enacted into law, ensuring that government agencies and programs receive timely funding for their operations in 2025.
As legislative work on the budget nears completion, all eyes will be on the Senate in the coming days as it takes decisive steps toward approving Nigeria’s financial plan for the next fiscal year.
