By Isaac Anumihe, Abuja
In the wake of the presentation of the 2025 Budget proposal to the National Assembly last week, several key government agencies have been allocated significant funding aimed at strengthening their operations and bolstering national security. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has received a substantial allocation of N63.23 billion, while the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit (NFIU) has been allocated N12.5 billion to enhance their financial crime-fighting capabilities.
Other notable allocations include the Ministry of Defence, which has been granted a budget of N2.92 trillion, a critical sum aimed at fortifying the nation’s defense infrastructure. The Ministry of Interior, tasked with national security and internal affairs, has been allocated N1.13 trillion. The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has received a notable N15.87 billion to continue its anti-corruption efforts.
The judiciary, a cornerstone of the nation’s legal system, has been allocated N341.63 billion to support its operations, with the Ministry of Justice receiving an additional N120.93 billion to ensure the effective delivery of justice.
Further, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has been allocated N40 billion in preparation for upcoming electoral processes, reinforcing the government’s commitment to transparent and credible elections. The Ministries of Police Affairs and Power also received significant funding, with N1.28 billion allocated to the Police Affairs Ministry and N2.09 billion earmarked for the Ministry of Power.
Additional allocations have been made to support critical national agencies. The Nigerian Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI) received N298.42 billion, and the Nigerian Agricultural Land Development Authority (NALDA) was allocated N8.37 billion to improve agricultural infrastructure.
In the realm of scientific research and innovation, the Nigerian Atomic Energy Commission received N4.04 billion for its continued development, while the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund) received a N175.14 million allocation to aid students with financing their education.
The State House also saw a significant allocation, with N8.72 billion designated for the President’s office and N2.92 billion for the Vice President. Other members of the executive, including the Chief Security Officer to the President and the Chief of Staff, have been allocated N439.28 million and N1.51 billion, respectively. The State House Medical Centre has been allocated N2.13 billion to ensure the health and well-being of the leadership, while the Lagos Liaison Office will receive N348.27 million.
In comparison to the previous year, the 2024 budget saw an aggregate expenditure of N27.5 trillion, marking a 10.8% increase from the N24.82 trillion allocated in 2023. Notably, provisions for debt service and maturing bonds amount to N8.25 trillion and N243 billion, respectively. With statutory transfers totaling N1.3 trillion and non-debt recurrent expenditures pegged at N10.26 trillion, the 2025 budget continues the government’s focus on advancing the nation’s infrastructure, security, and governance framework.
This significant allocation, many more, reflects the federal government’s commitment to tackling challenges across multiple sectors, ensuring the country’s growth and prosperity in the coming years.