Tinubu Delays N47.9 Trillion 2025 Budget Presentation to Wednesday"

By Achimi Muktar

President Bola Tinubu has postponed the highly anticipated presentation of the N47.9 trillion 2025 budget to the National Assembly, shifting it from Tuesday to Wednesday, December 18, 2024.

The National Assembly Service Commission (NASC) announced the adjustment on Monday, sparking renewed attention as the federal government finalizes the nation’s fiscal plan for the upcoming year.

The Journey to the Budget

On November 14, the federal government first proposed a massive N47.9 trillion total expenditure for 2025. President Tinubu later submitted the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP) for 2025–2027 to the National Assembly on November 19.

The MTEF/FSP serves as the blueprint for the budget, outlining critical fiscal parameters and projections for a three-year spending period. On December 3, the Senate gave its stamp of approval, paving the way for the formal budget presentation.

A Shift in Plans

Senate President Godswill Akpabio had earlier announced during a December 12 plenary that Tinubu would appear before the National Assembly on Tuesday, December 17, to deliver the budget. However, a late shift was confirmed on Monday in a statement signed by Alkali Umar, Secretary of the NASC Directorate of Human Resources and Staff Development.

“I am directed to inform you that the presentation of the 2025 Budget by the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR, has been postponed to Wednesday, 18th December, 2024,” Umar said.

He added that staff should resume normal duties on Tuesday, noting that controlled entry measures earlier announced would now apply on Wednesday during the president’s visit.

FEC Gives Final Approval

Earlier on Monday, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the N47.96 trillion budget, confirming the government’s readiness to unveil the detailed fiscal plan to lawmakers and Nigerians.

What to Expect

The 2025 budget presentation is one of the most significant events on Nigeria’s economic calendar. With mounting expectations, it will outline spending priorities, revenue targets, and strategies to tackle key challenges, including infrastructure, employment, and economic growth.

As Nigerians eagerly await President Tinubu’s address, the slight delay only adds to the anticipation surrounding how the administration plans to manage Nigeria’s economy in 2025.