The House of Representatives on Wednesday summoned the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, and the Chairman of the Nigerian Revenue Service (NRS), Zach Adedeji, over the non-implementation of the 2025 capital budget despite reported excess revenue.
The session, chaired by Abubakar Bichi, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, was convened to investigate why approved funds for capital projects had not been released, resulting in stalled projects across ministries, departments and agencies.
Bichi said the committee decided to engage the President’s economic team to review the performance of the 2025 budget and examine projections for 2026, adding that lawmakers required clarity to properly inform Nigerians.
Responding to the concerns, Edun defended the administration’s fiscal approach, explaining that the government had discontinued what he described as the unsustainable practice of printing money to meet obligations such as debt servicing and contractor payments. He said the administration was transitioning toward greater fiscal discipline and regularisation.
Bagudu disclosed that consultations with the Appropriation Committee led to the rollover of 70 per cent of the 2025 capital expenditure into the 2026 fiscal year, noting that the adjustment had been reflected in the 2026 budget proposal before the National Assembly.
Adedeji, on his part, said the revenue agency generated N28.23 trillion in 2025, exceeding its target of N25.2 trillion.
Lawmakers, however, expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of capital releases, describing the situation as unacceptable amid growing concerns over abandoned projects and unpaid obligations. The committee subsequently adjourned the session to Thursday at 1:00 p.m. to allow the Minister of State for Finance, Doris Uzoka-Anite, to appear.
The development comes against the backdrop of concerns over about N4 trillion owed to contractors under the 2024 budget, a situation some lawmakers warn could further strain the nation’s economy.
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