In a significant move to fast-track the approval of the 2025 budget, the Nigerian Senate has announced it will suspend its plenary sessions for two weeks beginning January 14, 2025. This suspension will allow lawmakers to fully focus on the consideration of the N49.7 trillion Appropriation Bill, which has already entered the committee phase.
The Senate’s decision was revealed during a key meeting held by the Appropriation Committee, led by Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola (APC, Ogun West). The meeting, attended by committee chairmen and senior officers including Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru (APC, Kwara South), and Senate Whip, Senator Tahir Monguno (APC, Borno North), highlighted the urgency of the budget’s passage.
Senator Adeola explained that while the official plenary suspension is set to begin on January 14, an open day for public and stakeholder input will take place this Thursday, January 11, providing a platform for heads of ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to present their cases. The open day is expected to be a crucial element in ensuring that the budget considers the diverse needs of various sectors across the country.
“The Senate is fully committed to a thorough yet expedited review of the budget,” Senator Adeola remarked. “This two-week break from plenary is essential to ensure that we give the budget the focus it requires, especially given the ambitious nature of the N49.7 trillion proposal.”
The 2025 budget, presented by President Bola Tinubu on December 18, 2024, and passed for second reading by both the Senate and House of Representatives the following day, is critical for the country’s economic future. However, with the current legislative calendar tightly packed, Senate leaders are concerned that the available time is insufficient for the thorough scrutiny needed.
The Senate’s decision to temporarily halt plenary activities follows discussions within the Appropriation Committee on the best way to handle the budget’s consideration. As part of the process, hard copies of the budget were distributed to committee chairmen, ensuring that members are fully prepared for the upcoming budget defense sessions with MDAs.
“After carefully reviewing the proposed budget, we have set clear timelines for its review at the committee level. Budget defense sessions will begin tomorrow (January 8), with reports from the various committees expected to be submitted between January 15 and 18. These reports will then be compiled and refined by the Appropriation Committee, and we are targeting January 31 for the final laying of the budget before the Senate,” Senator Adeola clarified.
While January 31 has been set as a target date for the final presentation of the budget, Adeola emphasized that it is still tentative, acknowledging that unforeseen delays could arise. “The 31st of January is our guiding date for now, but it is subject to change based on how the deliberations proceed,” he said.
The Senate’s handling of the 2025 Appropriation Bill reflects the challenges of passing such a monumental piece of legislation within a condensed time frame. Despite the pressure, Senator Ashiru noted that it was crucial for lawmakers to prioritize the national interest in ensuring the budget’s swift passage.
“The economic stability of Nigeria in 2025 and beyond depends on the decisions we make now. Every moment counts, and the Senate must rise to the occasion,” Ashiru declared during the meeting.
Stakeholders have expressed mixed reactions to the proposed timeline. Some political analysts are concerned that the hurried process could lead to insufficient scrutiny of the budget, which covers a wide range of sectors, including infrastructure, education, healthcare, and defense.
“There’s a risk of rushing through such an important document. While expediting the budget is necessary, we cannot afford to overlook critical issues that could impact the nation’s long-term growth,” said political analyst, Dr. Ngozi Umeh.
On the other hand, business leaders have welcomed the Senate’s initiative to fast-track the budget’s passage. “We need to see more clarity on government spending to plan for the future,” said Mr. Emeka Nwachukwu, a leading Nigerian businessman. “A delay in budget approval can stifle investments and create unnecessary uncertainties.”
As the Senate prepares for an intensive two weeks of budget deliberations, political observers are keeping a close eye on how both chambers of the National Assembly will handle the contentious and complex issues raised in the 2025 budget. The legislature’s ability to balance thoroughness with speed will likely determine the success of the process.
The two-week plenary suspension is seen as a decisive step in addressing the government’s financial needs for the upcoming fiscal year. However, given the contentious nature of national budgets and the often-political maneuvering surrounding their passage, the coming days could prove to be a test of the Senate’s ability to unite behind a common goal.
