Indications suggest that the National Assembly may pass the ₦49.7 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill this week, as the Senate and House of Representatives' Joint Committees on Appropriation are expected to lay their reports on Tuesday, February 4, 2025.
The budget passage was initially scheduled for January 31, 2025, but was postponed to allow standing committees to complete budget defense processes with heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
Budget Passage Timeline
Upon reconvening on Tuesday, the National Assembly is expected to:
- Receive and review the report from the Appropriations Committees.
- Engage in a thorough debate on the budget before moving forward with approval.
- Seek concurrence between the Senate and House of Representatives.
- Transmit the final budget to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for assent.
Additionally, both chambers are expected to adjourn plenary in honor of the late Deputy Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Oriyomi Adewunmi Onanuga.
Senate Spokesman Confirms Budget Passage Process
Speaking in Abuja, Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, confirmed that the budget could be passed this week, depending on the deliberations following the report’s presentation.
"When we convene on the 4th, we will be expecting the reports. The issues that arise from the reports will determine when the budget will be passed," he said.
He added that the Senate will not rush the process, stating:
"We want to be thorough with this budget so that we will not be going back and forth with supplementary budgets. We are taking our time to do it right."
Possible Adjustments to Budget Size
When asked if the budget could increase beyond ₦49.7 trillion, Adaramodu noted that it depends on the recommendations from the Appropriations Committees.
"Even if the budget were ₦100 trillion, agencies would still request increases. But we must be mindful of the federal government's revenue-generating capacity," he emphasized.
What’s Next?
- Tuesday, February 4 – The Appropriations Committees will present their report.
- Full review and debate will follow in the Senate and House of Representatives.
- If consensus is reached, the budget will be passed and transmitted to President Tinubu for assent.
With government agencies seeking higher allocations and lawmakers insisting on fiscal discipline, the final outcome of the budget debate will be crucial in shaping Nigeria’s economic and developmental agenda for 2025.
