A former Governor of Bayelsa State and member of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Education, Senator Seriake Dickson, has praised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s 2025 budget for prioritizing education, healthcare, and human capital development. However, he also highlighted key concerns regarding optimistic oil production targets and the growing budget deficit.
Speaking to reporters, Senator Dickson lauded the significant allocations for education and healthcare, describing them as essential pillars of national development. He emphasized the importance of expanding access to higher education through initiatives like the Student Loan Board and expressed strong support for healthcare investments.
“Every government should focus on education, healthcare, and security as these are the foundations for sustainable national growth,” Dickson said. He further advocated for increased investment in agriculture and manufacturing to diversify the economy and create jobs.
While Senator Dickson acknowledged the ambition of the budget, he raised doubts about the feasibility of producing 2 million barrels of crude oil per day, given current challenges in the oil sector.
“We hope the target is achievable, but it is essential to engage oil-producing communities and prioritize their welfare,” he said, citing the Petroleum Industry Act’s (PIA) provision for a 5% allocation to these communities as critical for peace and stability in the Niger Delta.
Senator Dickson also expressed concern over the reliance on borrowing to finance the budget, noting that the deficit mirrors that of the 2024 budget. He called for urgent tax reforms to improve revenue generation and reduce dependence on deficit financing.
“Without significant improvements in revenue collection, deficit financing will continue to pose a sustainability challenge,” he warned.
Despite these concerns, Senator Dickson described the 2025 budget as a bold and optimistic plan with the potential to drive economic recovery and growth. He called for continued dialogue between the National Assembly and the executive to refine the budget during the legislative process.
“We will address the specifics during committee reviews, but the overall direction of the budget is commendable,” he concluded.
Senator Dickson’s comments reflect cautious optimism, balancing praise for the budget’s priorities with calls for practical measures to address fiscal challenges and ensure sustainable development.