Random Ads
Content
Content
Content

Budget passage: Tinubu, Akpabio meet in Aso Rock

3 days ago 12

By Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja

President Bola Tinubu, on Wednesday night, met with Senate President Godswill Akpabio at his official residence inside the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The meeting followed the National Assembly’s passage of the N54.99 trillion 2025 budget, the largest in Nigeria’s history.

While the details of their discussion remain undisclosed, it is believed the focus was on finalising arrangements for the President’s assent to the budget, which was approved by both chambers a week ago.

Akpabio’s motorcade was seen outside President Tinubu’s official residence at the State House.

The 2025 Appropriation Bill was increased from the initial N50.09 trillion proposed by the President, with a strong emphasis on infrastructure, security, education, and healthcare. The budget projects a revenue target of N18.32 trillion and a deficit of N36.67 trillion.

Key allocations include:

N8.5 trillion for debt servicing
N9.1 trillion for capital projects
N9.92 trillion for recurrent expenditure
N3.25 trillion for defence and security

Meanwhile, hours before the meeting, the Senate summoned intelligence chiefs to investigate claims by U.S. Congressman Perry Scott that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) was funding terrorist organisations, including Boko Haram.

The investigation was initiated following an urgent Order of National Security raised under Order 41 by Senator Mohammed Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District.

During Wednesday’s plenary, Akpabio stressed that Nigeria would not permit USAID to continue operations if the allegations were confirmed, emphasising the need for a thorough investigation.

Read Entire Article