The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has stated that the Committee on Appropriations is expected to present its report on the 2025 budget proposal for consideration and possible passage by the Senate on Wednesday.
Presiding over the plenary on Tuesday, Akpabio confirmed that federal lawmakers may begin deliberations on the N54.2tn budget immediately after the report is laid before them.
He explained that the relatively low attendance in the chamber was due to members of the Appropriations Committee conducting final checks to ensure the budget aligned with the nation’s interests.
He further noted that the debate on a bill for the establishment of the Federal University of Agriculture in Abak, Akwa Ibom State, would be concluded swiftly to allow focus on the 2025 budget.
Akpabio also pointed out that the report might be presented as early as Wednesday or Thursday, urging his colleagues to ensure a timely conclusion of deliberations to facilitate the final consideration and passage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
The 2025 budget was initially set at N49.7tn but was increased to N54.2tn after President Bola Tinubu’s communication to both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
This increase of N4.5tn prompted the revision of the proposal, with Akpabio urging the Committee on Appropriations to expedite its work to ensure the budget is passed by the end of February.
