By Ayomide Otitoju
The Senate Committee on Appropriations has set January 31, 2025, as a provisional date for the passage of the proposed ₦49.7 trillion 2025 budget. Chairman of the committee, Senator Adeola Olamilekan, disclosed this on Monday during a meeting with the heads of relevant committees to outline the framework for the upcoming budget defence session.
The budget defence is set to begin on Tuesday, with the Senate aiming for a streamlined process to ensure the budget’s timely enactment.
Timetable for Budget Consideration
Olamilekan announced that the Senate would resume plenary on January 14, 2025, after which lawmakers would embark on a two-week recess dedicated to facilitating the budget defence process.
A retreat is planned for Thursday to provide further insights into the budget proposal. The event will bring together ministries, departments, agencies (MDAs), civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to offer comprehensive consultation and analysis.
According to the timetable, committee reports on the budget are expected between January 15 and 18, with the Appropriations Committee scheduled to collate and finalise the documents shortly thereafter.
Call for Urgency
Acknowledging the tight schedule, Olamilekan urged lawmakers to prioritise the budget process by cutting short their holidays and immediately engaging with the budget estimates.
“This is a crucial task, and we must approach it with diligence and efficiency to ensure the budget is passed within the stipulated timeframe,” he said.
The ₦49.7 trillion budget, once approved, will mark a significant milestone in Nigeria’s fiscal planning and governance, aligning with the government’s objectives for the year.
