The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Rep. Philip Agbese, has defended President Bola Tinubu’s administration, saying its policies are on track despite delays in implementing the 2025 budget.
Agbese commended Tinubu’s focus on transparency and sustainable economic growth, citing a 3.46% GDP growth in Q3 2024 and rising foreign reserves.
According to Agbese, the government’s reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate unification, have contributed to the economic growth. “This shows that the government is delivering results, not rhetoric,” he said. Agbese also dismissed the U.S. Department of State’s 2025 Fiscal Transparency Report, which flagged Nigeria for weak procurement processes, describing it as outdated.
Agbese praised the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, for his meticulous planning to align Nigeria’s economy with current realities. “Bagudu ensures our budget meets fiscal plans, addresses critical needs like infrastructure and healthcare, and builds a resilient future for generations,” he said. The lawmaker expressed confidence that the minister’s work would pave the way for a seamless rollout by late September.
The 2025 budget, signed into law in December 2024, earmarked N4.91 trillion for defense, N4.06 trillion for infrastructure, N3.5 trillion for education, and N2.4 trillion for health. Despite delays in capital project execution, Agbese assured that the National Assembly had monitored implementation and remained optimistic. “Some see delays, but I see diligence and how Bagudu masterminds fiscal responsibility, verifying expenditures to align with global standards,” he said.
Agbese urged Nigerians to trust the administration, assuring that visible results would be evident before the end of the year. “By December, expect roads, schools, and hospitals to transform communities. With leaders like Bagudu, Nigerians will soon see tangible change; new infrastructure, better education, and improved healthcare uplifting lives nationwide,” he said.
The government has emphasized its commitment to transparency, employing a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track project implementation. With expectations high, Nigerians are eagerly awaiting the delivery of promised results.