The House of Representatives in Nigeria has voiced its discontent with President Bola Tinubu’s government due to the delay in presenting the 2025 budget proposal to the National Assembly. The lawmakers argue that this delay is infringing on the time they need to carry out their responsibilities as outlined in the law.

During a recent session, the House highlighted that the Executive must comply with Section 11(1)(b) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2007. This section states that the government should prepare and submit the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) to the National Assembly at least four months before the start of the next financial year. The lawmakers believe that this delay undermines effective financial management and threatens the long-term economic stability of Nigeria.

Clement Jimbo, who brought the issue to the floor, emphasized the importance of the Fiscal Responsibility Act. He stated that this law is designed to ensure responsible management of national resources, promote accountability, and foster transparency in fiscal operations.

In response, the House has mandated the committees on National Planning and Economic Development, Appropriation, and Finance to ensure that the budget proposal is submitted within the next two weeks. They have urged the Executive to comply with the law and avoid any further delays.

The House of Representatives is committed to ensuring that the nation’s economic goals are met through proper adherence to legislative requirements, and they are taking action to address this critical issue.