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From Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
Former Senate president, Ahmed Lawan, has highlighted critical national issues including capital project funding, the 2026 budget delay, respect for the armed forces, and his direct access to President Bola Tinubu, while speaking to State House Correspondents after a private meeting with the President.
On capital project funds and the ongoing challenges faced by local contractors, Lawan emphasised the National Assembly’s active role. “Members of the National Assembly are still working hard to ensure that the necessary steps are taken, the procedures and processes are done for the constituency projects to be implemented.”
He stressed a comprehensive national outlook, saying, “we are purely nationalistic and patriotic; we want the project to be implemented fully for all parts of the country, regardless of whether they are constituency projects or the normal budgets provisions.” On the notable delay in presenting the 2026 budget, Lawan urged cooperation between the executive and legislature.
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“Time is of essence when it comes to budget for the country… Both the executive and the legislature are working very closely to ensure that the 2026 budget estimates are presented to the National Assembly as quickly as possible.” He reassured that no time would be wasted: “We will not waste any time to ensure that we process properly and then we scrutinize and pass the budget as quickly as possible.”
On security matters and respect for the armed forces, Lawan affirmed his deep respect and the importance of fully supporting Nigeria’s soldiers: “I head the Senate Committee on defense… I know how committed our armed forces are. They deserve our respect. They deserve our support at all times.”
He also credited the current administration’s investment. “This administration is giving a lot of funds to the armed forces and other security agencies, and I believe that the next thing is to insist on getting returns from the investments we make.”
Offering insight into his relationship with President Tinubu, Lawan underscored his unfettered access and the president’s openness: “President welcomed me; I was really touched. I’m the only person the President saw today, and probably is the only person he will see today. Mr. President is very, very accessible.” He challenged critics who suggest otherwise, saying, “If someone feels otherwise, it’s not me, and I don’t think it’s fair to just stay somewhere and criticize when you have access available to you.”
