The House of Representatives, on Wednesday, called on the Federal Government to expedite the transmission of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) to the National Assembly.
This urgent request is aimed at providing lawmakers sufficient time to review the 2025 Appropriation Bill once it’s submitted.
Lawmakers Express Displeasure at Delayed Budget Proposals
Representatives across party lines expressed frustration with the consistent delays in presenting annual budget proposals to the parliament. These delays hinder lawmakers’ ability to thoroughly scrutinize the budget, ultimately affecting their ability to serve the public interest.
Motion for Urgent Action
The resolution followed a motion moved by Mr. Clement Jimbo, representing Abak/Etim Ekpo/Ika Federal Constituency, Akwa Ibom State. Jimbo emphasized the importance of complying with Section 11 (I) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007, which ensures prudent management of national resources and long-term macroeconomic stability.
The lawmaker stated that Section 11(1)(b) stipulates that “The Federal Government must, not later than four months before the commencement of the next financial year, cause to be prepared and laid before the National Assembly an MTEF for the next three financial years.”
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He expressed worry that Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as section 30(1) of FRA 2007, specifically, section 88(1), stipulate that subject to other provisions of the 1999 Constitution, “Each House of the National Assembly shall have the power, by passing resolutions, to direct, or cause to be directed, an investigation into any matter or thing to which it has power to make laws, and into the conduct of affairs of any person, authority, ministry of government department charged or intended to be charged with the duty of or responsibility for executing of administrating laws enacted by the National Assembly and for disbursing or administrating monies appropriated or to be appropriated by the National Assembly.”
According to him, the time the National Assembly requires to exercise its functions as enshrined in section 88(2)(b) “Is technically being taken away by the non-compliance of section 11(1)(b) of FRA 2007 by the executive.”
Concerns Over Constitutional Provisions
Jimbo highlighted concerns regarding Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 30(1) of FRA 2007. He noted that non-compliance with Section 11(1)(b) of FRA 2007 by the executive effectively undermines the National Assembly’s ability to exercise its constitutional functions.
Support from Lawmakers
Billy Osawaru (APC, Edo State) emphasized the need for timely budget proposals, stating that delays “shortchange Nigerians.”
Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda supported the motion, stressing that timely budget estimates are crucial for effective scrutiny. Bob Solomon (Rivers State) urged colleagues to support the motion, ensuring adequate time to review the 2025 budget.
He said, “This government prides itself on the adherence to the January-December budget cycle. It is a good development.
“In the 2023 budget, we were practically rushed into completing work on the estimates just to meet up with the January – December cycle.
“This must not happen again. By now, the MTEF should have been with us.”
Speaker Tajudeen Abbas, presiding over the plenary session, urged the Federal Government to comply with Section 11(1)(b) and submit the 2025 Budget proposal without delay. The House mandated relevant committees to ensure compliance within two weeks, emphasizing the importance of transparency and accountability in the budget process.
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