By Chinelo Obogo

The recently submitted 2025 federal government proposed budget has sparked concerns following the omission of critical infrastructure projects and details on allocations for several Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

In an analysis by Budget, among the key omissions is the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road project, a major infrastructure initiative designed to boost connectivity and economic growth.

It was for this project that Landmark Resort was demolished and tongues are wagging as to why it was not captured in the 2025 budget.

Additionally, the proposed budget, published on the Budget Office website for review by the National Assembly, lacks detailed breakdowns for several significant institutions, including the National Judicial Council (NJC), with a proposed allocation of N341.63 billion, and TETFUND, which is slated to receive N940.5 billion.

The budget also omits the allocations for more than 60 government-owned enterprises (GOEs), such as the Nigeria Ports Authority, Nigeria Customs Service, and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), raising concerns about the lack of transparency and accountability in the budgetary process. These omissions have left many questioning the clarity and comprehensiveness of the proposed financial framework.

Another point of contention is President Bola Tinubu’s recent pronouncement regarding the retirement package for military generals.

Related News

Under the new provisions, military generals are to receive a bulletproof SUV, fully funded foreign medical treatment, $20,000 in estacode for medical trips, and allowances for domestic help. This decision has sparked criticism due to its contradiction with the President’s earlier pledge to reduce the cost of governance. Critics argue that such lavish packages could further inflate the national budget and widen the fiscal deficit, while neglecting lower-ranking military personnel who lack proper health insurance and retirement benefits, despite being at greater risk of exposure in combat situations.

As the National Assembly (NASS) reviews the proposed 2025 budget, the need for revisions that prioritise the nation’s long-term growth and stability is paramount. Stakeholders have called on the 360 Members of the House of Representatives and 109 Senators of the Nigerian Senate to put the national interest above personal or partisan considerations.

The appeal is to ensure that the final approved budget effectively stimulates economic activity, promotes macroeconomic stability, and allocates resources to foster equitable economic growth and development.

The 2025 budget, stakeholders note, should address critical issues such as poverty reduction, inequality, and support for vulnerable segments of the population, which are essential for achieving sustained development and prosperity. Stakeholders are urging lawmakers to ensure that the final budget allocation prioritizes the needs of ordinary Nigerians, invests in essential infrastructure projects, and makes provisions for more transparent and accountable governance.

The hope is that the final budget will set the stage for a more prosperous future for all citizens, especially those who are most in need of government support.

As the NASS reviews and revises the budget, the country eagerly awaits a plan that will reflect a commitment to sustainable economic growth, social equity and an inclusive approach to governance.