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PRESENTATION BY HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU, GCFR OF THE 2025 BUDGET OF RESTORATION: SECURING PEACE, REBUILDING PROSPERITY* *TO* *A JOINT SESSION OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY ON WEDNESDAY 18TH DECEMBER, 2024
PROTOCOLS:
— The Vice President, Senator Kashim Shettima
— Senate President, Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio
— Right Honourable Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas
— National Chairman of our great party, Excellency, Abdullahi Umar Ganduje
— State Governors here present
— Distinguished Leaders and Members of the National Assembly
— Senior Government Officials here present
— Gentlemen of the press,
My Fellow Nigerians,
1. In fulfilment of one of my constitutional duties and with unyielding commitment to rebuilding Nigeria towards ensuring that we remain steadfast on the journey to a prosperous future, I hereby present the 2025 Budget to the Joint Session of the 10th National Assembly.
2. On this day, before this hallowed chamber, I present to you the 2025 Budget at a time when our country is at a crucial point in its development trajectory.
3. The 2025 Budget Proposal again reinforces our administration’s roadmap to secure peace, prosperity, and hope for a greater future for our beloved nation. This budget christened, “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity,” strikes at the very core of our Renewed Hope Agenda and demonstrates our commitment to stabilizing the economy, improving lives, and repositioning our country for greater performance.
4. The journey of economic renewal and institutional development, which we began 18 months ago as a nation, is very much underway. It is not a journey of our choosing but one we had to embark on for Nigeria to have a real chance at greatness. I thank every Nigerian for embarking on this journey of REFORMS and TRANSFORMATION with us.
5. The road of reforms is now clearly upon us, and as the President of this blessed nation, I know this less-travelled road has not been easy. That there have been difficulties and sacrifices. They will not be in vain. And we must keep faith with the process to arrive at our collectively desired destination.
6. We must build on the progress we have made in the past eighteen months in restructuring our economy and ensuring it is strong enough to withstand the headwinds of any future shocks of the global downturn.
7. The 2025 budget that I present today is one of restoration. It seeks to consolidate the key policies we have instituted to restructure our economy, boost human capital development, increase the volume of trade and investments, bolster oil and gas production, get our manufacturing sector humming again and ultimately increase the competitiveness of our economy.
8. We do not intend to depart from this critical path to strengthen the Nigerian economy. Just as I believe in the resilience of our economy to withstand the current challenges, I also strongly believe in the resilience of the Nigerian people. Again, I summon the unstoppable Nigerian spirit to lead us on as we work to rebuild the fabric of our economy and existence.
9. The improvements we witnessed in the 2024 budget have led us into the 2025 budget. The goals of advancing national security, creating economic opportunities, investing in our youthful population, infrastructure development, and national re-orientation form the core of the 2025 budget. But more than that, this will lay a solid foundation for Nigeria’s future growth trajectory.
CURRENT ECONOMIC REALITIES AND PROGRESS
10. Distinguished Senate President, Right Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, leaders and members of both Chambers of the National Assembly, I report today that our economy is responding positively to stimulus. Our objective is to further stimulate the economy through the implementation of targeted fiscal stimulus packages through public expenditures and specific non-inflationary spending.
11. The reforms we have instituted are beginning to yield results. Nigerians will soon experience a better and more functional economy.
12. Global economic growth for the outgoing year 2024 was projected at 3.2 percent, and against predictions, our country made significant progress.
o Our economy grew by 3.46 percent in the third quarter of 2024, up from 2.54 percent in the third quarter of 2023.
o Our Foreign Reserves now stand at nearly 42 billion US dollars, providing a robust buffer against external shocks.
o Our rising exports are reflected in the current trade surplus, which now stands at 5.8 trillion naira, according to the National Bureau of Statistics.
13. These clear results of gradual recovery, among others, reflect the resilience of our economy and the impact of deliberate policy choices we made from the outset.
2024 BUDGET PERFORMANCE
14. I am happy to inform this National Assembly that our administration attained remarkable milestones in implementing the 2024 Budget. In 2024, we achieved:
o 14.55 trillion naira in revenue, meeting 75 percent of our target as of the third quarter.
o 21.60 trillion naira in expenditure, representing 85 percent of our target, also in the third quarter.
15. While challenges persist, we improved revenue collection and fulfilled key obligations. The transformational effects of this on our economy are gradually being felt.
PHILOSOPHY OF THE 2025 BUDGET
16. The 2025 Budget seeks to:
o Restore macroeconomic stability.
o Enhance the business environment.
o Foster inclusive growth, employment, and poverty reduction.
o Promote equitable income distribution and human capital development.
17. Our budgetary allocations reflect the administration’s strategic priorities, especially in the implementation of the Renewed Hope Agenda and its developmental objectives.
2025 BUDGET OVERVIEW
18. The numbers for our 2025 budget proposal tell a bold and exciting story of the direction we are taking to retool and revamp the socio-economic fabric of our society.
o In 2025, we are targeting 34.82 trillion naira in revenue to fund the budget.
o Government expenditure in the same year is projected to be 47.90 trillion naira, including 15.81 trillion naira for debt servicing.
o A total of 13.08 trillion naira, or 3.89 percent of GDP, will make up the budget deficit.
19. This is an ambitious but necessary budget to secure our future.
20. The Budget projects inflation will decline from the current rate of 34.6 percent to 15 percent next year, while the exchange rate will improve from approximately 1,700 naira per US dollar to 1,500 naira, and a base crude oil production assumption of 2.06 million barrels per day (mbpd).
21. These projections are based on the following observations:
o Reduced importation of petroleum products alongside increased export of finished petroleum products.
o Bumper harvests, driven by enhanced security, reducing reliance on food imports.
o Increased foreign exchange inflows through Foreign Portfolio Investments.
o Higher crude oil output and exports, coupled with a substantial reduction in upstream oil and gas production costs.
KEY PRIORITIES: REBUILDING NIGERIA
22. Our budgetary allocations underscore this administration’s strategic priorities, particularly in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda and achieving its developmental objectives.
23. Highlights of the 2025 Budget Allocations:
• Defence and Security: N4.91 trillion
• Infrastructure: N4.06 trillion
• Health: N2.48 trillion
• Education: N3.52 trillion
24. As we embark on implementing the 2025 Budget, our steps are deliberate, our decisions resolute, and our priorities are clear. This budget reflects a renewed commitment to strengthening the foundation of a robust economy, while addressing critical sectors essential for the growth and development we envision.
Securing Our Nation:
25. Security is the foundation of all progress. We have significantly increased funding for the military, paramilitary, and police forces to secure the nation, protect our borders, and consolidate government control over every inch of our national territory. The government will continue to provide our security forces with the modern tools and technology they need to keep us safe. Boosting the morale of our men and women in the armed forces will remain our government’s top priority.
26. The officers, men, and women of our Armed Forces and the Nigerian Police Force are the shields and protectors of our nation. Our administration will continue to empower them to defeat insurgency, banditry, and all threats to our sovereignty. Our people should never live in fear—whether on their farmlands, highways or cities. By restoring peace, we restore productivity, revive businesses, and rebuild our communities.
Infrastructure Development:
27. When we launched the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund, it was with the conviction that infrastructure remains the backbone of every thriving economy. Under this programme, we are accelerating investments in energy, transport, and public works. By leveraging private capital, we hope to complete key projects that drive growth and create jobs. We have already embarked on key legacy projects: Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway and Sokoto-Badagry Highway, which will have a huge impact on the lives of our people and accelerate economic output.
Human Capital Development:
28. Our people are our greatest resource. That is why we are making record investments in education, healthcare, and social services:
o Our administration has so far disbursed 34 billion naira to over 300,000 students via the Nigeria Education Loan Fund (NELFUND). In the 2025 Budget, we have made provision for 826.90 billion naira for infrastructure development in the educational sector. This provision also includes those for the Universal Basic Education (UBEC) and the nine new higher educational institutions.
o We are convinced that Universal Health Coverage initiatives will strengthen primary healthcare systems across Nigeria. In this way, we have allocated 402 billion naira for infrastructure investments in the health sector in the 2025 Budget and another 282.65 billion naira for the Basic Health Care Fund. Our hospitals will be revitalised with medication and better resources, ensuring quality care for all Nigerians. This is consistent with the Federal Government’s planned procurement of essential drugs for distribution to public healthcare facilities nationwide, improving healthcare access and reducing medical import dependency.
Revitalizing Agriculture:
29. Increasing agricultural production is central to our food security agenda, but insecurity has crippled this vital sector. We are supporting our farmers with funding and inputs to reignite productivity. Food security is non-negotiable. In this regard, we are taking bold steps to ensure that every Nigerian can feed conveniently, and none of our citizens will have to go to bed hungry.
30. Distinguished Senate President, Right Honourable Speaker of the House of Representatives, leaders and members of both Chambers of the National Assembly and fellow Nigerians, our 2025 budget proposal is not just another statement on projected government revenue and expenditures. It is one that calls for action.
31. Our nation faces existential threats from corruption and insecurity and suffers from many past poor choices. These challenges are surmountable when we work collaboratively to overcome them. We must rewrite the narrative of this nation together, with every leader, institution, and citizen playing their part.
32. The time for lamentation is over. This is a time to act. A time to support and promote greater investment in the private sector. A time for our civil servants to faithfully execute our policies and programmes. It is a time for every Nigerian to look hopefully towards a brighter future because a new day has dawned for us as a nation.
33. As your President, I remain committed and resolute to continue to lead the charge.
34. This 2025 budget proposal lays the foundation for peace, prosperity, and much needed hope. It is the plan through which a Nigeria where every citizen can dream, work, and thrive in safety can be achieved.
35. It is with great pleasure, therefore, that I lay before this distinguished Joint Session of the National Assembly the 2025 Budget of the Federal Government of Nigeria titled “The Restoration Budget: Securing Peace, Rebuilding Prosperity.
36. May God bless our Armed Forces and keep them safe. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you.
*Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR*
President, Commander-in-Chief of The Armed Forces,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Breaking
President Tinubu Reportedly Dismisses INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, Nominates Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan as Replacement
By Favour Bibaikefie
In a development that has stirred major political discourse across Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has allegedly relieved the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, of his duties.
A reliable source from within the Presidency revealed that Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan has been nominated as the new head of the electoral commission, subject to confirmation by the Senate.
While no official announcement has been made at the time of reporting, the move was said to have been decided during a confidential meeting held earlier today at the Presidential Villa. The motivation behind the abrupt leadership shift remains uncertain. However, political commentators speculate that it could be tied to ongoing electoral reform efforts and dissatisfaction with INEC’s handling of recent elections.
Appointed initially in 2015 by then-President Muhammadu Buhari and reappointed in 2020, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has overseen two national elections and numerous off-cycle polls. His tenure has faced criticism over logistical setbacks and claims of electoral malpractice.
His proposed successor, Prof. Bashiru Olamilekan, is a respected academic with deep expertise in constitutional law and a history of contributing to electoral policy reforms. His selection has already sparked debate among political stakeholders and civil society organizations.
As the nation awaits formal communication from the Presidency and a decision by the Senate, uncertainty surrounds what impact this leadership change may have on INEC’s integrity and readiness for upcoming elections.
By Divine Perezide
A recent video of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has sparked concern across social media platforms after he was seen limping noticeably during a public appearance. The footage, which has quickly circulated online, shows the minister walking with an apparent limp, triggering widespread speculation and public concern about his health.
The video has led many Nigerians to question whether Wike might have truly collapsed as alleged last week but struggling to conceal his health status. Social media users have urged him to slow down and prioritize his well-being amidst his busy political schedule. Some speculated that the limp could be an early indication of a more serious condition, such as a partial stroke, while others blamed his relentless political activities for possible physical strain.
Commentary on X (formerly Twitter) captured a mix of concern and empathy:
@kennywrites said, “Wike has been everywhere lately. Maybe it’s time he rests a bit. Health is wealth.”
@DRealIfeanyi added, “I don’t support his politics, but I wish him well. No one deserves to be in pain.”
@NaijaUpdates247 commented, “Hope Wike is okay. That limp didn’t look minor. He should get it checked out and take some time off if needed.”
Other remarks circulating online included: “Wike didn’t collapse o. We lied.” and “Instead of him to take time off and heal of his partial stroke, he is struggling to conceal it.”
Another concerned user wrote, “Wike, rest small, politics will always be here.”
As of now, the minister’s declaration that, he never collapsed at any time last week end is still being read with a lot of meanigs in people’s minds as the online community continues to call for caution and self-care.
By Divine Perezide
The Take-It-Back (TIB) Movement, a key organiser behind the 2024 #EndBadGovernance protest, has unveiled plans to hold a nationwide demonstration on April 7, 2025. The protest aims to challenge what the group describes as the imposition of an “emergency rule” in Rivers State and the alleged misuse of Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act to stifle dissent and silence critical voices online.
In a statement shared with PUNCH, National Coordinator of the movement, Juwon Sanyaolu, emphasized that the primary demand is the repeal of the Cybercrime Act, which, according to him, is being used to target activists, journalists, and social media influencers.
“We’re seeing a trend where freedom of speech is under siege. The Cybercrime Act has become a tool to harass those who question authority – from journalists to online commentators like SeaKing,” Sanyaolu stated.
The TIB also condemned what it refers to as the “militarisation” of Rivers State, claiming that the current governance structure resembles a de facto military regime. The movement is calling for the immediate restoration of all suspended state institutions, including the State House of Assembly and the Executive branch.
“We want an end to policies that have worsened the lives of ordinary Nigerians. The economic hardship is real, and people are suffering,” Sanyaolu added.
The protest, tagged “Nationwide Protest Against Bad Governance and Free Speech Suppression,” will begin at the National Assembly in Abuja, with additional protest locations to be announced.
Over the past year, several journalists have reportedly faced intimidation and arrests, including Segun Olatunji, former editor at First News; Daniel Ojukwu of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism; Dayo Aiyetan of the International Centre for Investigative Reporting; and Nurudeen Akewushola, an investigative journalist.
The suspension of democratic structures in Rivers State has sparked widespread backlash and calls for restraint from various civic groups and political stakeholders.
As inflation continues to rise and the cost of living soars, many Nigerians have expressed frustration over the economic challenges gripping the country, adding fuel to the growing dissent against the federal government’s policies.
Source: SaharaReporters