Agbese - News Agency Of Nigeria

Tosin Kolade
Sep, Fri, 2025

2025 budget delay: Tinubu’s policies on track – Agbese

By Emmanuel Oloniruha

The Deputy Spokesman of the House of Representatives, Rep. Philip Agbese, has dismissed criticism over delays in implementing the 2025 budget.

Agnese lauded President Bola Tinubu’s administration for its focus on transparency and sustainable economic growth.

Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Friday, he commended the leadership of the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Sen. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu.

He described Bagudu’s efforts as meticulous planning to align Nigeria’s economy with current realities.

NAN reports that the 2025 budget, signed into law in December 2024, earmarked N4.91 trillion for defence, N4.06 trillion for infrastructure, N3.5 trillion for education and N2.4 trillion for health.

Eight months into the fiscal year, delays in the capital component have slowed projects, prompting public frustration and calls for an extension into 2026.

Agbese, however, said the National Assembly had monitored implementation and remained optimistic.

“Some see delays, but I see diligence and how Bagudu masterminds fiscal responsibility, verifying expenditures to align with global standards,” he said.

He assured that the minister’s work was paving the way for a seamless rollout by late September, crediting Bagudu with transformative reforms.

“Bagudu ensures our budget meets fiscal plans, addresses critical needs like infrastructure and healthcare, and builds a resilient future for generations,” he said.

The lawmaker pointed to Tinubu’s reforms, including fuel subsidy removal and the unification of exchange rates, which he said contributed to a 3.46 per cent GDP growth in Q3 2024 and rising foreign reserves.

According to him, this shows that “the government is delivering results, not rhetoric.”

Agbese also dismissed the U.S. Department of State’s 2025 Fiscal Transparency Report, which flagged Nigeria for weak procurement processes, describing it as outdated.

“Our Open Contracting Portal offers real-time bid access, and the Bureau of Public Procurement enforces strict tendering rules. Contract awards under Tinubu follow the Procurement Act and are open to global scrutiny,” he said.

He added that Bagudu had empowered citizens to flag irregularities, while lawmakers’ oversight confirmed accountability in budget execution.

Agbese urged Nigerians to trust the administration, assuring that visible results would be evident before the end of the year.

“By December, expect roads, schools and hospitals to transform communities. With leaders like Bagudu, Nigerians will soon see tangible change; new infrastructure, better education and improved healthcare uplifting lives nationwide,” he said. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade

Agbese seeks gender equality honour for Speaker Abbas

Tosin Kolade
Jul, Sat, 2025

General News

Agbese seeks gender equality honour for Speaker Abbas

By Akpan Glory

The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Rep. Philip Agbese, has called on the Pan-African Parliament (PAP) to declare the Speaker of Nigeria’s House of Representatives, Dr Tajudeen Abbas, as Africa’s Champion for Gender Equality.

Agbese made the call in a telephone interview with newsmen on Saturday following a high-level retreat of the PAP Committee on Gender, Family, Youth and Persons with Disabilities in Pretoria, South Africa.

He said the recognition would reflect Abbas’s commitment to gender justice and inclusive governance through legislative reforms and leadership within Nigeria’s National Assembly.

Agbese, who represented Nigeria at the retreat, said Abbas had shown consistent dedication to gender-sensitive legislation and had promoted the inclusion of women, youth, and persons with disabilities in parliamentary processes.

“His legislative track record demonstrates a strong commitment to fairness, justice, and equal opportunity for all genders,” he said.

Agbese noted that Abbas’s leadership had positioned Nigeria as a leading voice in gender advocacy across the continent, adding that his work should not go unrecognised at such a critical time.

“Speaker Abbas represents a new generation of legislative leaders for whom inclusiveness is not just a policy direction but a guiding political value,” he said.

He outlined the retreat as a historic opportunity to advance the rights and dignity of women, girls, and vulnerable groups through legislative frameworks.

Agbese added that Abbas’s contributions were evident in the number of gender-focused bills, motions, and debates he had led in the House of Representatives.

He said designating Abbas as Africa’s Champion for Gender Equality would serve as both recognition of his contributions and encouragement for other leaders to prioritise inclusive governance.

“Under his leadership, the House has become more responsive to the needs of marginalised groups and has encouraged greater participation of women in legislative and oversight functions,” he said.

Agbese said the proposal had been submitted to the relevant PAP committee, which is expected to consider and respond to the recommendation in due course.

He added that the endorsement of Abbas would affirm Nigeria’s continental leadership in promoting gender equity and signal a broader national commitment to fairness and justice across Africa.

The Pretoria retreat, which brought together lawmakers, legal experts, youth leaders and development partners, focused on reviewing and finalising a Model Law on Gender Equality and Equity for Africa. (NAN)

Edited by Tosin Kolade