Opposition Reps raise alarm over alleged non-implementation of 2025 budget

Members of the Opposition Caucus in the House of Representatives have raised serious concerns over the alleged failure of the Federal Government to implement the 2025 Appropriation Act, warning that the development could trigger calls for the removal of top finance officials.

In a statement jointly signed by the caucus leaders, Hon. Fred Agbedi and Hon. Afam Ogene, the lawmakers announced that a strategic meeting has been scheduled for 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday to deliberate on critical national and legislative issues.

According to the statement, the meeting will focus on fiscal governance, legislative oversight, and an internal review of the performance of the minority leadership in the House.

Central to the deliberations, the caucus said, is the reported non-implementation of the 2025 budget throughout the entire fiscal year, despite the House approving all loan requests submitted by the Executive arm of government.

The lawmakers are expected to interrogate claims that funds appropriated for capital projects were not released, contrary to assurances earlier given to the National Assembly.

The caucus disclosed that it is also considering strong accountability measures, including a possible call for the removal of the Minister of Finance and the Accountant-General of the Federation.

The officials are accused of failing to honour commitments made to the House that the capital components of the 2025 budget would be fully implemented and that outstanding financial obligations would be settled before the end of the year.

In addition, the opposition lawmakers said they would demand certified copies of all bills passed by the 10th National Assembly, as well as the votes and proceedings of both chambers and all gazetted laws.

According to the caucus, this step has become necessary following recent alterations to tax laws, which they say require proper legislative scrutiny.

The meeting will also include an assessment of the minority leadership, amid concerns that some leaders may have fallen short of caucus expectations. The lawmakers said corrective measures may be considered where necessary.

The venue of the meeting, the statement added, will be communicated to members later on Tuesday.