Budget Review Extends NASS Recess to February 4

 

The Senate and House of Representatives have postponed their plenary resumption, initially scheduled for Tuesday, January 28, 2025, to Tuesday, February 4, 2025.

 

This development was announced in separate statements by the two legislative chambers on Friday.

 

According to the Clerk of the Senate, Andrew Nwoba, the shift in date is due to the ongoing defense of the 2025 budget proposal by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

 

“Please be informed that there is a change in the resumption date due to the ongoing budget defense. It has been rescheduled from Tuesday, 28th January 2025, to Tuesday, 4th February 2025, at 11:00 am prompt,” Nwoba stated.

 

Also, the spokesperson for the House of Representatives, Akin Rotimi, cited the need to give committees sufficient time to conclude their budget engagements as the reason for the postponement.

 

“The postponement is necessary to allow Committees sufficient time to conclude ongoing budget engagements and defenses with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs),” he said.

 

“This measure ensures a thorough and comprehensive approach to legislative responsibilities. The House remains committed to fulfilling its legislative mandate for the benefit of Nigerians and appreciates the understanding of all stakeholders,” Rotimi added.

 

President Bola Tinubu had on December 18, 2024, presented the ₦49.7 trillion 2025 budget proposal to a joint session of the National Assembly for consideration and approval.

 

The budget defense by MDAs is a critical phase in the budgetary process, as lawmakers scrutinize allocations to ensure they align with the nation’s developmental priorities.

 

With the postponement, both chambers reaffirm their dedication to ensuring due diligence in the passage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill.