Hon Gwalabe expresses concern over concurrent running of budget
Abuja (Core Reporters) A Honourable member, representing Katagum Federal Constituency of Bauchi State, Rep Auwalu Abdu Gwalabe, has taken a swipe at the proposed 2025 budget presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday.
The three-time member of the House of Representatives under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who spoke with Journalists shortly after the presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill, was particularly concerned about the previous and present year’s budgets which are still running.
Rep Gwalabe said presenting the 2025 budget while the 2023 and 2024 are still running is an aberration, noting that never in the history of Nigeria has the budget run concurrently.
According to him, Nigeria is currently running four budgets in one year, which include the 2023 and 2024 budget, and their supplementaries.
“My main concern about this budget is that it says it’s a budget of restoration, that’s okay; but the 2023 budget is still running.
“We are running four budgets in one year – 2023 budget and its supplementary and 2024 budget and its supplementary. The 2023 budget will probably enlaps in June 2025 or they may extend it.
“Now, the budget of 2025 will enlaps when? That’s my major concern. When will the common man feel the impacts of the 2023 and 2024 budgets?
“If you look at last year’s budget, the capital expenditure was higher, which has never been in the history of Nigeria. The recurrent expenditure was low, less than 40%, but this budget of 2025 is saying 50% is going for the capital expenditure while 48% goes for the recurrent expenditure.
“So, there’s an increase in the recurrent expenditure, that’s where I have a very good question. I come from the opposition party”, he stressed.
While questioning the reality of the 2025 budget after being described as the budget of restoration, Rep Auwalu said as Comrade he will not support anything that anybody will say to Nigerians if it will not benefit the poor and the people at the grassroots.
“I pray that the government will be able to fund the 2025 budget or else that restoration that they are talking about will not be possible because you can’t be running the budgets concurrently.
On the impacts of the 2023 budget, the lawmaker said, “Ask yourself if there is any relief? Check the 2024 budget, is there any form of respite for the people, let alone the one that was brought today.
“Now the question is not for me alone, it’s for all Nigerians. They will have to decide if they have enjoyed the 2023 and 2024 budget.
