Tinubu Set to Present 2025 Budget to National Assembly

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is scheduled to present the 2025 budget proposal to a joint session of the National Assembly on Wednesday, marking a significant step in the country’s fiscal planning process.

The announcement was made by Dr. Ali Barde Umoru, the Secretary of Research and Information at the National Assembly, during a press briefing on Monday. Dr. Umoru also outlined the logistical arrangements for the event, including coordinating the list of individuals permitted to access the assembly chambers during the presentation.

Budget Overview and Preparations

The forthcoming budget presentation follows Tinubu’s earlier submission of the 2024–2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) to both chambers of the National Assembly three weeks ago. These documents, which form the foundation of the annual budget, proposed a total expenditure profile of N26.1 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year.

The Senate Finance Committee, after conducting extensive interactive sessions with the heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), approved the MTEF last week. The discussions focused on revenue and expenditure projections, ensuring alignment with the administration’s priorities and economic realities.

Key Expectations for the 2025 Budget

The 2025 budget is expected to reflect President Tinubu’s economic vision, particularly in line with his administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. Major priorities are likely to include:

1. Infrastructure Development: Increased funding for road construction, rail projects, and power generation to boost economic activities.

2. Education and Healthcare: Allocations aimed at improving access and quality in these critical sectors.

3. Economic Diversification: Policies and programs to reduce reliance on oil revenues, with a focus on agriculture, manufacturing, and technology.

4. Social Safety Nets: Expanded social intervention programs to support vulnerable populations amidst rising living costs.

5. Security: Strengthening security agencies to address ongoing challenges related to insurgency, banditry, and other forms of crime.

Significance of the Budget Presentation

The annual budget presentation to the National Assembly is a constitutional requirement and serves as a key policy statement from the executive arm of government. It provides insight into the administration’s fiscal plans, revenue projections, and spending priorities for the upcoming year.

Tinubu presentation will also serve as an opportunity to address critical economic issues, including rising inflation, unemployment, and the country’s debt management strategy. With Nigeria grappling with revenue shortfalls and other fiscal challenges, the 2025 budget will be closely scrutinized by lawmakers and the public alike.

National Assembly’s Role

Following the presentation, the National Assembly will commence a detailed review of the budget proposal. Lawmakers will deliberate on the revenue and expenditure plans, ensuring they align with the MTEF and FSP already approved. This process includes engagements with MDAs to justify their allocations and performance in previous fiscal years.