By Bashir Bello, National Assembly Abuja.
Following the presentation of the 2026 appropriation bill by President Bola Tinubu to a joint session of the National Assembly last weekz a cross section of Nigerian Lawmakers have continued to express their views on the budget.
This is coming as the National Assembly moves forward with the 2024/2025 extended supplementary budget, lawmakers have voiced a range of opinions regarding its implementation, transparency, and potential impact on the nation’s development trajectory.
Speaking In an interview with journalists, Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi State expressed deep concerns over the execution of the current budget cycle. “The implementation of the 2024 and 2025 budget is nothing to write home about,” he stated. “We will scrutinize the budget properly to ensure prudence and effective utilization of public funds.”
Echoing similar sentiments, Senator Ahmed Aliyu Wadada from Nasarawa State highlighted the skepticism among Nigerians regarding the federal government’s ability to manage the budget with integrity. “There is a lingering doubt among citizens about whether this budget will truly meet their aspirations,” he said. “People are concerned about how funds will be managed with trust and credibility.”
Senator Anthony Yaro who is a Lawmaker from Gombe State also emphasized the legislature’s responsibility in ensuring fiscal accountability. “As lawmakers, we are committed to thoroughly scrutinizing the budget so that every Nigerian can feel a sense of belonging in the national development process,” he said.
However, not all lawmakers shared the same tone. Senator Rufai Hanga from Kano State offered a more spiritual perspective, expressing skepticism about the budget’s viability. “There’s nothing to talk about in the entire budget,” he said. “Only God can make the President’s desire to carry out the mandate successful.” He further added that he does not support or pray for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s re-election bid.
The budget debate has also revealed a clear divide between lawmakers aligned with the ruling party and those in the opposition. While some have thrown their weight behind President Tinubu’s fiscal agenda, others have criticized it, citing a lack of clarity and understanding in its formulation and projected outcomes.
Despite the controversy, the House of Representatives has passed the 2024–2025 extended supplementary budget, which focuses primarily on capital expenditure. The budget is set to run until March 31, 2026, providing the federal government with an extended window to implement key infrastructure and development projects.
On the other hand the senate passed for second reading the 2026 appropriation bill on Monday 23rd December, 2025 and as it prepares for further deliberations, Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether the promises of transparency, accountability, and national inclusion will be realized in the months ahead.
