Budget Delays Raise Re-election Concerns Among Lawmakers

Delays in implementing the 2024, 2025, and 2026 budgets have sparked concerns among members of the House of Representatives, with many fearing that abandoned constituency projects could hurt their chances of re-election in the 2027 general elections. The issue dominated Tuesday’s plenary as lawmakers criticised the slow release of funds to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, saying it has stalled roads, schools, health centres, and other projects across their constituencies.

Lawmakers also expressed concern that Nigeria is implementing three budgets at the same time because large portions of the 2024 and 2025 budgets remain unfunded. They said the delays are increasing project costs, affecting contractors, and weakening public confidence in government. Although some members called for President Bola Tinubu and his economic team to explain the situation, Speaker Tajudeen Abbas ruled out a proposal to summon the President, while lawmakers maintained that improved budget implementation is critical to delivering projects and meeting public expectations.

Written by News Room