The House of Representatives has expressed dissatisfaction with President Bola Tinubu and the Executive over the delay in submitting the 2025 budget proposal to the National Assembly.
The lawmakers voiced their concern during a plenary session on Wednesday, October 16, stating that the late submission of the budget hampers the legislative process and reduces the time available for the National Assembly to properly review the proposal.
The delay is seen as a violation of Section 11(1)(b) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007, which mandates the Executive to submit the budget to the National Assembly at least four months before the beginning of the next financial year.
According to this law, the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for the next three financial years must be prepared and presented to the National Assembly within this timeframe to ensure the budget process runs smoothly.
The lawmakers emphasized the need for compliance with this provision, as it allows the legislative arm to thoroughly examine and approve the national budget in a timely manner.
The National Assembly is responsible for oversight and ensuring accountability in the allocation and management of the country’s resources. Failure to submit the budget on time, they argue, limits their ability to carry out this crucial responsibility.
During the plenary session, the House adopted a motion of urgent public importance brought forward by Representative Clement Jimbo.
Jimbo stressed the importance of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007, which aims to ensure the efficient management of the nation’s resources, promote transparency, and ensure macroeconomic stability. He pointed out that the act also establishes the Fiscal Responsibility Commission to oversee and enforce economic objectives.
Jimbo highlighted Section 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, which grants the National Assembly the power to investigate any matters under its jurisdiction, including the conduct of government ministries and departments involved in the administration of laws and the disbursement of funds.
The House resolved to urge the Executive to comply with Section 11(1)(b) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act and submit the 2025 budget proposal without further delay. The committees on National Planning, Appropriation, Finance, and Economic Development have been directed to ensure that the Executive meets this requirement within two weeks.
