The House of Representatives is calling for a substantial increase in the funding allocated to several critical government agencies in the 2025 budget, with proposals to surpass the initial allocations set out in the government’s budget estimates.
Speaking on Monday, February 3, Deputy Spokesman of the House, Mr Philip Agbese, revealed that some of the most important agencies driving the nation’s socio-economic development have been earmarked for additional funding in the upcoming fiscal year.
With the National Assembly expected to pass the N49.70 trillion 2025 budget proposal this week, Agbese told the press that improving the financial backing for key institutions is essential to ensuring the country’s growth and security.
He reaffirmed the House’s commitment to supporting the leadership of Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, adding that while the nation is facing significant hardships, there is hope for national prosperity in the near future.
“We are making a case for enhanced funding for the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) in the 2025 budget proposal,” Agbese explained.
“These are agencies that are crucial to the country’s development, and we are pushing for better financial support to ensure they can fulfil their mandates.”
Agbese emphasised the growing importance of the NIMC, which has become vital in the establishment of a national data bank.
He pointed out that, without adequate funding to train staff and procure the latest technology, the agency would be hampered in its efforts to support national security, including the ongoing fight against terrorism.
The lawmaker also made a strong case for reforming the NYSC scheme, which plays a critical role in providing manpower to both the public and private sectors.
He noted that, while details of the proposed funding increases were not yet available, the National Assembly was unhappy with the current state of the NYSC and was working towards a more substantial budget for the corps.
“We need the NYSC to be better funded to meet the needs of our corps members. They have made tremendous contributions to the nation during their service years, and it’s time we better support them,” Agbese said.
On the NDA, Agbese stressed the importance of enhancing funding to ensure that the institution is equipped to train security personnel capable of tackling evolving threats.
He pointed out that the growing sophistication of terrorist activities demands that Nigeria’s defence institutions receive the resources they need to keep up.
The House is also addressing the issue of capital expenditure allocations, particularly in relation to the Ministry of Defence. Agbese highlighted concerns raised by the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, regarding the insufficient N50 billion proposed for the ministry in the 2025 budget.
“We recognise that the budget envelope system may not be sufficient to meet the capital expenditure needs of many of these agencies,” Agbese remarked.
“The Minister of Defence raised this concern, and we are working to ensure these critical areas receive the funding they deserve.”
In addition to defence, Agbese noted that the House has made representations for increased funding for foreign missions, which have been crucial in serving Nigerians abroad.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which received N66.88 billion for capital expenditure and N286.88 billion for recurrent expenditure in the 2025 budget, has requested a significant increase, with estimates pointing to a need for N1.5 trillion.
Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Oluwole Oke, explained that while the full amount may not be achievable in one year, the committee has advocated for an allocation of at least N500 billion.
Oke cited the challenges posed by the unstable exchange rate and the ministry’s critical obligations, including subscriptions to international organisations and allowances for Foreign Service Officers.
Agbese also praised the work of the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, noting that the ministry has introduced important reforms aimed at boosting government revenue and enhancing Nigeria’s international image.
He confirmed that the House is prepared to support an increase in the funding for the Ministry of Aviation in the 2025 budget.
In conclusion, Agbese urged Nigerians to remain hopeful and optimistic about the future, reassuring them that both the Federal Government and the National Assembly are working tirelessly to improve the lives of citizens in the shortest possible time.