National Assembly Passes ₦54.9 Trillion Budget, Increases Health Sector Funding by ₦300 Billion
National Assembly Passes ₦54.9 Trillion Budget, Increases Health Sector Funding by ₦300 Billion
National Assembly Passes ₦54.9 Trillion Budget, Allocates ₦300 Billion to Health Sector
The National Assembly has passed the 2025 Appropriation Bill, approving a total budget of ₦54.9 trillion, with ₦300 billion earmarked for critical health interventions to combat tuberculosis (TB), HIV/AIDS, and polio.
Originally ₦49.7 trillion, the budget was presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on December 18, 2024, under the theme: “Budget of Restoration: Securing Peace and Building Prosperity.” Following extensive legislative review and consultations with key economic stakeholders, the budget was increased by ₦5.2 trillion to address critical national needs.
Key Budget Allocations
- Health Sector Intervention: ₦300 billion allocated for vaccines and drugs for TB, HIV/AIDS, and polio, following the United States’ suspension of health aid to Nigeria.
- Debt Servicing: ₦14.3 trillion allocated to meet Nigeria’s debt obligations.
- Capital Expenditure: ₦23.9 trillion set aside for key infrastructure projects.
- Recurrent Expenditure: ₦13.1 trillion for government operations.
- Statutory Transfers: ₦3.6 trillion allocated to various government agencies.
To accommodate the increased budget size, the Joint Committee on Appropriations stated that additional revenue will be sourced from:
- Government-Owned Enterprises (GOEs): ₦41.8 trillion projection.
- Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS): ₦1.5 trillion projection.
- Nigeria Customs Service (NCS): ₦1.2 trillion projection.
Priority Sector Allocations
- Solid Minerals Sector: ₦1 trillion
- Recapitalization of Bank of Agriculture (BOA): ₦1.5 trillion
- Recapitalization of Bank of Industry (BOI): ₦500 billion
- Critical Infrastructure (RHID Fund): ₦1.5 trillion
- Irrigation Development: ₦380 billion
- Road & Rail Infrastructure: ₦700 billion
- Border Community Development: ₦500 billion
- Military Barracks & Aviation: ₦370 billion
Legislative Observations & Recommendations
Lawmakers noted delays in the 2025 budget presentation, which affected its timely passage. The Joint Committee on Appropriations recommended that future budgets be presented at least three months before the fiscal year begins to maintain the January–December budget cycle.
With the ₦54.9 trillion budget now passed, the government aims to boost economic growth, improve healthcare, and enhance infrastructure development. The ₦300 billion health sector intervention is expected to fill the gap left by the U.S. aid suspension, ensuring continued access to essential vaccines and medications for millions of Nigerians.
