Reps panel: Lawmakers worried over FG’s slow budget implementation

Abubakar Bichi, chairman of the house of representatives on appropriation, says lawmakers are worried over the federal government’s slow budget implementation.

Bichi spoke in Abuja on Wednesday after a closed-door meeting with Wale Edun, minister of finance, and Atiku Bagudu, his budget and national planning counterpart.

In December, the national assembly extended the implementation of the capital components of the 2024 budget to June 2025, following President Bola Tinubu’s request.

The federal government said the extension was intended to optimise capital expenditures and enable the completion of infrastructure projects.

In June, with only a few days left to the deadline and many projects still uncompleted, the national assembly extended the deadline for another six months to December 2025.

At the time, several lawmakers criticised the executive’s poor budget execution record and the prolonged delay in releasing funds.

Abba Moro, senator representing Benue south and senate minority leader, said the national assembly risks becoming “an embarrassment” if it fails to hold the ministry of finance accountable.

“We must take the bull by the horns on this issue of appropriation,” Moro had said.

Seriake Dickson, senator representing Bayelsa west, described the situation as “very sad” and said the government has effectively ground to a halt.

“Clearly, nobody is satisfied with the situation we have found ourselves in. Government has grounded — that’s what it means,” Dickson said.

“Contractors who have done their jobs, committed their resources, cannot be paid. The benefits of the budget that we all took time to work on and pass have not gotten to the people.”

Last month, lawmakers reportedly expressed frustration over delays in constituency project funding and alleged selective budget implementation and insecurity in the north.

‘LAWMAKERS ARE WORRIED’

However, Bichi said Edun and Bagudu have agreed to “work so hard” to implement the budget.

“They have made promises to us, so let’s see how far we can go,” he said.

“Nigerians are really concerned about the budget implementation. Basically, members are seriously concerned about that.”

Regarding the performance of the 2025 budget, Bichi stated that its implementation is underway, noting that the Appropriation Act was signed into law in February.

“The procuring process takes time, and now they will start implementing it as soon as possible,” he said.

Asked when the federal government would present the 2026 budget, Bichi responded: “I honestly don’t know”.