The House of Representatives has thoroughly reviewed the N49.70 trillion 2025 Appropriation Bill submitted to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu the Deputy Spokesperson, Rep. Philip Agbese (APC-Benue), has said.
In an interview with newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, Agbese said that all the committees of the house took time to work on the budget of various agencies of government, ahead of passage.
He said that house had done a good job as promised by asking relevant questions, adding that where the lawmakers were not satisfied with the answers provided, they demanded further explanations.
“Some of the agencies made beautiful presentations, while others did not. The media witnessed some, if not all these issues during our budget defence sessions.
“What was not done in the media spotlight is that we carried out a surgical operation on these proposals in such a way that Nigerians will get value for their money.
“As a parliament, we are aware of the difficulties of the times and there is no way we would approve frivolous budgetary demands.
“We made this clear to the ministers and heads of agencies that they must look for innovative ways to generate revenue to enable the government to run effectively.
“We also made it clear that we will not approve frivolous demands as proposed to us. They left with this message, aware that with the 10th Assembly, it is not business as usual anymore,” Agbese said.
The deputy spokesman said that the Speaker of the house, Rep. Tajudeen Abbas, would always prioritise integrity while dealing with any national assignment.
He said that the house promised to ensure that the right things were done, stressing that the budget was about Nigerians and that anything contrary to their interest would not be condoned.
Agbese called on Nigerians to continue to support the President Bola Tinubu-led government in its bid to revamp the economy and deliver good governance. (NAN)
