Rowdy Session at House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations: Lawmakers Angry Over Slow Pace of Budget Implementation

Lawmakers at the House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations became irate during a meeting with Minister of Finance Wale Edun and Minister of Budget and National Planning Senator Atiku Bagudu over the slow pace of implementation of the 2024-2025 Appropriations Act. The meeting turned into a shouting match, with lawmakers vowing to raise a motion to quash the finance ministry's policy, which they believed was unfair. The budget implementation has affected their constituency projects, which they rely on for re-election campaigns in 2027. The finance minister disclosed that only 80% of the 2024 budget has been implemented, nearly two years after the Appropriation Act was enacted. Despite assurances from the ministers that they will work harder to improve budget execution, lawmakers remain concerned and have vowed to monitor the situation closely.

Key Takeaways:

• 80% of the 2024 budget has been implemented, nearly two years after the Appropriation Act was enacted, as disclosed by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun.
• The slow pace of budget implementation has affected lawmakers' constituency projects, which they rely on for re-election campaigns in 2027, causing frustration among lawmakers.
• The finance minister, Wale Edun, has assured lawmakers that he will work harder to improve budget execution, alongside the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu.
• Lawmakers have vowed to raise a motion to quash the finance ministry's policy, which they believe is unfair to them.
• The National Assembly has extended the 2024 budget until December, according to the Minister of Finance.
• The meeting was held behind closed doors, but sources revealed that lawmakers were angry and frustrated with the slow pace of budget implementation.

Statistics:

• 80% of the 2024 budget has been implemented, as disclosed by the Minister of Finance.
• 20% of the 2024 budget remains unimplemented, as of September 2025.
• The 2024 budget was extended by the National Assembly until December.
• Lawmakers rely on constituency projects for re-election campaigns in 2027.
• Only 80% of the 2024 budget has been implemented, nearly two years after the Appropriation Act was enacted.

Sources:

• Briefing by the chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Abubakar Bichi (APC, Kano)
• Statement by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun
• Statement by the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu
• Confidential sources at the meeting between lawmakers and the ministers.