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By Tracy Moses
Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has dismissed public concerns over the perceived slow implementation of the 2025 national budget, insisting that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s fiscal policies remain firmly on track.
Addressing journalists at the National Assembly on Friday, Agbese applauded the government’s steadfast commitment to accountability and sustainable growth, while also commending the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, for his deliberate and strategic management of the nation’s economic framework.
The 2025 Appropriation Act, signed into law in December 2024, earmarked significant investments across key sectors, including ₦4.91 trillion for defence, ₦4.06 trillion for infrastructure, ₦3.5 trillion for education, and ₦2.4 trillion for healthcare.
However, with eight months already elapsed in the fiscal year, criticism has mounted over the slow rollout of capital projects, with some stakeholders urging the government to extend project timelines into 2026.
Agbese clarified that while the capital expenditure component has experienced delays, the legislature is closely monitoring its implementation and remains confident in the administration’s broader economic direction.
“Where others perceive setbacks, we see strategic planning at work. Senator Bagudu is ensuring that every spending decision meets global benchmarks and international best practices,” he said.
He explained that the minister’s careful approach is aimed at facilitating the effective rollout of capital projects by the end of September, grounded in fiscal discipline and due diligence.
The lawmaker praised Bagudu’s leadership, describing him as a forward-thinking reformer who is transforming Nigeria’s financial landscape.
“Bagudu’s initiatives are not just about meeting fiscal targets, they’re designed to address critical national priorities like infrastructure, healthcare, and education head-on,” Agbese noted.
He also pointed out that new budget tracking mechanisms have been introduced under Bagudu, allowing allocations to be monitored against verified data, thereby strengthening public confidence in government spending.
Referencing recent economic trends, Agbese highlighted Tinubu’s bold policy decisions, including the removal of fuel subsidies and the adoption of a unified exchange rate, which contributed to a 3.46% GDP growth in Q3 2024 and boosted foreign reserves.
“This administration is delivering tangible results, not just making promises,” he stressed.
Reacting to the U.S. Department of State’s 2025 Fiscal Transparency Report, which flagged Nigeria’s procurement system as inadequate, Agbese dismissed the criticism as outdated.
“Our Open Contracting Portal provides real-time access to bidding information, while the Bureau of Public Procurement enforces strict tendering procedures,” he explained. “Every contract awarded under President Tinubu’s leadership complies with the Procurement Act and remains transparent to both domestic and international observers.”
He further revealed that Bagudu’s reforms encourage public participation, enabling citizens to report procurement violations, many of which lawmakers have verified through oversight functions.
Agbese urged Nigerians to continue supporting the administration, assuring them that Bagudu is laying the groundwork for a legacy defined by accountability and sound governance.
“By December, Nigerians will begin to see results, new roads, better schools, and upgraded healthcare facilities improving daily life,” he promised.
Expressing unwavering confidence in the country’s economic trajectory, Agbese described Bagudu’s data-driven approach and focused implementation as the driving force behind Nigeria’s development agenda.
“He’s not rushing the process, he’s building a solid foundation for sustainable progress,” the lawmaker stated.
Agbese appealed for patience from citizens, reaffirming that President Tinubu’s development objectives are still intact and that meaningful transformation is imminent.
“With visionary leaders like Bagudu steering fiscal policy, Nigerians will soon witness tangible progress across sectors, from infrastructure to education and healthcare, enhancing the quality of life nationwide,” he concluded.