The National Assembly on Tuesday reversed its earlier approval of the 2025 budget to address errors in the allocation of funds for capital and recurrent expenditures. However, the overall budget size remains unchanged at N54.9 trillion.
Both the Senate and the House of Representatives had initially passed the budget bill on 13 February 2025. However, concerns were later raised regarding discrepancies in certain line items, prompting lawmakers to re-examine the figures.
A key adjustment in the revised budget is the reallocation of over N500 billion from capital expenditure to recurrent expenditure. As a result, spending on infrastructure and development projects has been reduced to N23.439 trillion, while allocations for salaries, government operations, and other ongoing expenses have increased to N13.588 trillion.
The amendments also led to adjustments in budgetary provisions for several federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), increasing allocations for some while reducing them for others.
In the Senate, the amendment motion was sponsored by Senator Adeola Olamilekan, Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, and was considered by the Committee of Supply. One of the major changes was the increase in Recurrent (Non-Debt) Expenditure from its initial N13 trillion to N13.5 trillion, reflecting an increase of approximately N500 billion. Conversely, Capital Expenditure, initially set at N23.9 trillion, has been reduced to N23.4 trillion.
While presenting the amendment motion, Senator Olamilekan explained that a review of the budget had revealed errors in specific line items passed by both chambers of the National Assembly. He proposed maintaining the total budget figure at N54.9 trillion, with no changes to Statutory Transfers (N3.6 trillion) and Debt Service (N14.3 trillion).
Following deliberations, Senate President Godswill Akpabio put the amendments to a vote, which was overwhelmingly supported by senators. Subsequently, Mr Akpabio formally rescinded the Senate’s decision on the affected line items and approved the revised budget.
The Senate President emphasised that the amendments were necessary to ensure clarity and transparency, facilitating a smooth passage of the budget without controversy.
