By Christiana Ekpa
The House of Representatives on Thursday passed for second reading the 2025 appropriation bill of N49.7 trillion presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday.
Members took turn to commend the President for the budget, describing it as ambitious, while some warned that the parameters for the budget were not realistic, calling for proper implementation and monitoring.
Leading the debate on the bill, House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere said President Tinubu admitted during the budget presentation that Nigerians were going through rough times, but added that for once, Nigerians are seeing a government that is ready to refocus the Nigerian economy.
He said the budget has made adequate provision for the education sector as well as security, health and infrastructure, adding that with the determination of the government, the country will soon begin to see foreign investments in the country.
Ihonvbere applauded the determination of the government to reduce inflation to 15 percent in 2015, saying the target was realizable if all Nigerians contribute their quota, pointing out the President has demonstrated serious courage and leadership in moving the nation forward.
Former Deputy Speaker of the House, Ahmed Idris Wase wants proper implementation and monitoring of the security budget, adding that doing so can put an end to the security challenges in the country.
He said: “We should follow up the utilization of the security budget to ensure value for money”, and called for the speedy passage of the budget to ensure that what is allocated to the various constituencies are implemented.
He decried the challenge in the health sector especially in the area of funding and infrastructure.
But Jeremiah Umoru questioned the criteria used in allocating money to the South West Development Commission whose board has not been constituted, while the North Central and South South Development Commission whose establishment bills are currently with the President are left out.
