The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Mr. Philip Agbese, has assured Nigerians that the 2025 budget proposal will be reviewed with the nation’s best interests at heart.
It should be recalled that on December 18, 2024, President Bola Tinubu presented a N49.74tn budget proposal to the National Assembly for consideration and approval.
On Monday, the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Abubakar Bichi, convened a meeting with other committee leaders as Ministries, Departments, and Agencies began defending their budget estimates on Tuesday.
In an exclusive interview with The PUNCH, Agbese emphasized the parliament’s dedication to prioritizing national interest during the budget review process.
“As a House, we have no other interest apart from our collective national interest. All we are interested in is the good of our country and fellow Nigerians. So, as we embark on this important exercise, we will look at critical sectors of the economy capable of stimulating economic growth and act accordingly,” he said.
He further highlighted key areas of focus, stating, “Of course, you know that the security of our beloved country has been a top issue for years. Health, education, job creation, and the empowerment of youth and women are areas we will be looking at as we begin our job on the 2025 budget proposal.”
Agbese, a member of the ruling All Progressives Congress, expressed optimism about Nigeria’s future, crediting the Tinubu-led administration for taking difficult but necessary decisions to rebuild the nation’s glory.
He urged Nigerians to exercise patience, noting that the challenges of today would lead to a brighter future.
“We cannot deny the fact that the times are hard. Our President has stated this time and again but the important thing is that this government is not just sitting down and expecting manna to come from heaven,” he remarked.
“Gradually, things are picking up. We have seen a significant number of persons access funds through the student loan scheme. This is a plus to our quest for inclusive education for all,” he added.
Agbese also pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects in Abuja as evidence of progress, praising President Tinubu and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike, for their efforts.
“Abuja, the nation’s capital is now a huge construction site for new roads and rehabilitation of existing ones. We have Mr President and the workaholic Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Nyesom Wike to thank for this,” he said.
He encouraged Nigerians to remain hopeful and trust in the administration’s commitment to transforming the country into a source of pride for the continent.
In addition, Agbese lauded the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and the Appropriations Committee Chairman, Abubakar Bichi, for their dedication to the task at hand.
“The readiness of lawmakers to begin work on the Appropriation Bill while on holiday is a testament to their commitment to a Nigeria that works for all,” he stated.
