The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Adeola Olamilekan, has announced January 31, 2025, as the tentative date for the passage of the ₦49.7 trillion 2025 national budget. This comes as the committee prepares to commence budget defence sessions on Tuesday.
Speaking on Monday during a meeting with relevant committee chairpersons, Senator Olamilekan outlined a detailed timeline and strategy for the budget process to ensure its smooth passage and subsequent signing into law.
Budget Defence Timeline
Senator Olamilekan revealed that upon resuming plenary on January 14, 2025, the Senate would proceed on a two-week recess to facilitate uninterrupted budget defence sessions. Committees are expected to submit their reports between January 15 and 18, after which the Appropriations Committee will collate and finalise all documents.
He also announced a retreat scheduled for Thursday, which will involve ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), civil society organisations, and other stakeholders. The retreat aims to provide further consultations and insights into the budget proposal.
Call for Dedication
Acknowledging the tight schedule, Senator Olamilekan called on lawmakers to forgo their holidays and commit to the timely consideration of the budget. He stressed the importance of ensuring that the budget process is handled efficiently within the stipulated timeframe.
“This is a critical national assignment. I urge my colleagues to intensify efforts and prioritise the review of the proposed budget to meet the January 31 target,” he said.
The ₦49.7 trillion budget proposal for 2025 represents the Federal Government’s comprehensive plan for economic and social development in the coming year. The Appropriations Committee will continue to guide the process to ensure the successful passage of the budget.