The House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations has expressed deep concern over the slow pace of budget implementation, summoning the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, for questioning on Wednesday in Abuja.
At a closed-door session, lawmakers pressed the two ministers over what they described as “growing delays” in executing the 2024/2025 Appropriations Act.
Nigerians, they noted, were increasingly frustrated by the gap between budget promises and visible results in communities.
Briefing journalists after the session, the Chairman of the Committee, Abubakar Bichi (APC–Kano), said parliamentarians had a constitutional responsibility to monitor budget performance and ensure accountability.
“Our members are seriously concerned because Nigerians are asking questions,” Bichi said.
“We have engaged with the Ministers of Finance and Budget, and both acknowledged the challenges.
They assured us of their commitment to work harder so that citizens can begin to see visible results from the budget before the end of this year.”
The chairman stressed that the committee would continue to closely monitor the executive’s performance, insisting that budget oversight was not only a legislative duty but also a service to the Nigerian people.
Responding to lawmakers’ concerns, Minister of Finance Wale Edun disclosed that as of September 2025, about 80 per cent of the 2024 budget had been implemented.
He clarified that the National Assembly had earlier extended the budget cycle until December, giving the executive more time to complete projects.
“Overall implementation is at about 80 per cent. It is still running, and we expect to achieve more in the coming months,” Edun said.
He explained that priority projects were being targeted, including grassroots-focused infrastructure such as roads, irrigation systems, and social amenities designed to improve livelihoods in rural communities.
Edun dismissed speculation about a supplementary budget, stressing that no such proposal was under consideration.
“Our focus remains on faithfully implementing the 2024 and 2025 budgets,” he said.
On his part, Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, praised the cordial working relationship between the executive and the legislature.
He acknowledged that reforms introduced under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, particularly in taxation and public finance, were already yielding early results.
“The National Assembly has supported all major reform initiatives of this administration.
Our discussion today helped to identify areas where improvements are required, but overall, there is respect, collaboration, and a shared commitment to deliver results for Nigerians,” Bagudu said.
Lawmakers, he added, had recognised the administration’s efforts in stabilising revenue and pursuing critical reforms despite fiscal pressures.
While government officials highlighted progress, ordinary Nigerians have expressed frustration over the gap between reported implementation figures and realities on the ground.
Across many states, capital projects such as rural roads, health facilities, and water schemes remain incomplete or stalled.
Business leaders also argue that slow budget execution has worsened inflation and undermined economic confidence.
“Delays in capital spending directly affect businesses and jobs,” said Dr. Chuka Eze, an Abuja-based economist.
“When money meant for infrastructure is tied up in bureaucracy, the private sector suffers from high costs and limited opportunities.”
Budget implementation challenges are not new in Nigeria.
Over the past decade, successive governments have struggled with late budget approvals, revenue shortfalls, and weak project monitoring.
According to data from the Budget Office of the Federation, actual capital expenditure often falls below 60 per cent of projections due to bottlenecks in release procedures, procurement issues, and debt servicing pressures.
The 2024/2025 budget cycle has been particularly sensitive, given President Tinubu’s ambitious economic reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and foreign exchange liberalisation.
Both policies were expected to free up fiscal space for development spending, but Nigerians are yet to feel the promised impact.
The House Appropriations Committee reiterated its resolve to hold ministers accountable.
“This is not a mere exercise,” Bichi insisted.
“We will demand regular updates, and we will not hesitate to use our constitutional powers if commitments are not met.”
Parliamentarians also warned that further delays in budget execution could deepen public disillusionment and heighten pressure on the Tinubu administration.
Observers say the session signals that lawmakers will scrutinise the 2025 budget more aggressively, particularly with respect to grassroots projects and infrastructure spending.
“With the economy under strain and Nigerians demanding relief, the legislature cannot afford to be passive,” noted policy analyst Hauwa Suleiman.
“If Edun and Bagudu cannot deliver on time, the National Assembly may impose stricter conditions in the next budget cycle.”
The grilling of Edun and Bagudu underscores growing impatience within both the legislature and the wider public over Nigeria’s budget performance.
While ministers insist progress is being made, lawmakers remain sceptical and have vowed to intensify oversight.
As the 2024 budget enters its final quarter, all eyes will be on whether promises of grassroots development and infrastructure renewal can be delivered before December.
Failure to do so risks not only political backlash but also further erosion of public trust in government spending.