From Adesuwa Tsan, Abuja
The Senate Spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, has dismissed concerns over the increase in the National Assembly’s budget, stating that the adjustment aligns with national financial trends and is not excessive.
Speaking on Arise Television’s The Morning Show, yesterday, Adaramodu emphasised that the legislature, as a separate arm of government, must have its budget reflect broader national budgetary changes.
“When you consider the value of the National Assembly budget of 2024, look at 2023, look at 2024, and that of 2025, the numbers were almost the same.
“That of 2024 was N27 trillion, while that of 2025 rose to N54.9 trillion. Now, are we saying that the budget of the National Assembly, which is a tier of government, should now remain static when other tiers of government, either the executive or the judiciary, have had an increase?” he said.
He refuted allegations of budget padding, arguing that the term is often misused to misrepresent routine budgetary adjustments.
“In 2024, after all supplementary budgets, the total national budget increased from N27 trillion to N34 trillion. Now, in 2025, it is N54.9 trillion. Despite this, the National Assembly’s allocation is still below N500 billion.
“So, what percentage of the total budget is even allocated to the National Assembly? It is still a tiny fraction, yet people say the National Assembly has padded the budget. That is not the case,”
he said.
He stressed that the National Assembly is a key arm of government with constitutional responsibilities that require adequate funding. He maintained that the budget increase should not be sensationalised as it aligns with broader economic realities.
“The National Assembly, like every other government arm, needs resources to function effectively.
“We cannot conduct legislative business without adequate funding, and there is nothing excessive about this adjustment,” he said
On the controversy surrounding allegations of sexual harassment, he dismissed the claims, stating that no formal petition has been brought before the Senate.
“In this matter, in this case, there was never a case of sexual harassment. If there is any situation like that, and it is confirmed that there is any situation like that, the Ethics, Privileges, and Public Petitions Committee will be directed to take it up. And if it is found to be true, then that senator, whoever that senator is, will face the music,” he said.
He stressed that the Senate does not act on media reports or social media trends but follows due legislative process in addressing complaints.
“We do not conduct our affairs by picking something up from Facebook or the media and rushing to the chamber to start discussing it.
“There must be an explicit, straightforward complaint from any senator about any misdemeanor before it is considered.”
Adaramodu maintained that the Senate would not be drawn into controversies based on unsubstantiated claims, reiterating that legislative business must be conducted with due process and respect for institutional procedures.
“My voice does not matter. It is the voice of the total Senate that matters in this,” he concluded.