Philip Agbese defends 2025 budget delay, praises Bagudu’s reforms and Tinubu’s economic growth strategy, assuring Nigerians of visible progress soon
Philip Agbese on 2025 budget delay has dismissed criticism surrounding the slow implementation of Nigeria’s 2025 budget, commending President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its commitment to transparency and sustainable economic growth.
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Speaking to journalists on Friday, the Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives applauded the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, for his meticulous planning aimed at aligning Nigeria’s economy with present realities.
The 2025 budget, signed into law in December 2024, allocates significant funds to critical sectors, including N4.91 trillion for defence, N4.06 trillion for infrastructure, N3.5 trillion for education, and N2.4 trillion for health.
However, delays in releasing the capital component have slowed project progress, causing public frustration and calls for extending the budget into 2026.
Agbese, however, urged patience, stating that while some perceive delays, he sees diligent efforts and fiscal responsibility under Bagudu’s leadership.
He assured that the minister’s work would lead to a seamless budget rollout by late September, crediting Bagudu with transformative reforms.
“Bagudu ensures our budget meets fiscal plans, addresses critical needs like infrastructure and healthcare, and builds a resilient future for generations,” Agbese said.
He also highlighted the success of President Tinubu’s economic reforms, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of exchange rates, which contributed to a 3.46 per cent GDP growth in the third quarter of 2024 and an increase in foreign reserves.
“This shows that the government is delivering results, not rhetoric,” Agbese remarked.
In response to the U.S. Department of State’s 2025 Fiscal Transparency Report flagging Nigeria for weak procurement processes, Agbese dismissed the claims as outdated.
He pointed to Nigeria’s Open Contracting Portal, which offers real-time bid access, and the strict enforcement of tendering rules by the Bureau of Public Procurement.
He further noted that contracts under the Tinubu administration follow the Procurement Act and are subject to global scrutiny.
Bagudu’s empowerment of citizens to flag irregularities and lawmakers’ oversight also ensure accountability in budget execution, Agbese added.
The lawmaker urged Nigerians to trust the administration, promising visible results before the year’s end.
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“By December, expect roads, schools and hospitals to transform communities. With leaders like Bagudu, Nigerians will soon see tangible change; new infrastructure, better education and improved healthcare uplifting lives nationwide,” he concluded.
