The Senate Committee on Information and National Orientation has directed the National Orientation Agency (NOA) and the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) to rework and resubmit their 2025 budget proposals following a critical budget defense session on Thursday.
The committee, led by Senator Kenneth Eze (APC, Ebonyi Central), raised concerns about the practicality, transparency, and anticipated impact of the projects proposed by both agencies. In particular, the NOA’s flagship National Identity Project came under scrutiny for its lack of visibility and grassroots engagement.
Senator Eze criticized the NOA for presenting programs that fail to connect meaningfully with the populace or reflect clear national benefits. “Programs must resonate with the people and contribute visibly to national development. The current proposal lacks these elements,” Eze asserted.
In response, NOA Director General Mallam Issa-Onilu defended the National Identity Project, describing it as essential for fostering unity and a shared value system among Nigerians. “The challenge with our value system is tied to our national identity. This project is vital for galvanizing Nigerians toward nation-building, development, and growth,” he explained.
Despite Issa-Onilu’s defense, the committee was unconvinced and insisted that the NOA refocus its programs to better align with national development priorities before seeking approval for funding.
Similarly, the News Agency of Nigeria faced criticism over discrepancies in its 2024 budget performance report. NAN Director General Ali Mohammed Ali was urged to reconcile the figures and ensure greater accountability in the agency’s financial management.
“We expect precision and accountability in the use of public funds. Disjointed figures undermine trust and make it difficult to plan effectively,” Senator Eze remarked.
The committee’s directive reflects its determination to uphold transparency and efficiency in the allocation of public funds for the 2025 fiscal year. Both agencies have been given time to revise their proposals and return for further evaluation.
This development underscoreed the Senate’s ongoing commitment to scrutinizing budgetary submissions to ensure they serve the nation’s best interests and deliver measurable outcomes for Nigerians.

Tensions flared at the National Assembly on Thursday as Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, faced tough questioning from senators over the 2024 budget performance and the proposed N49.7 trillion 2025 budget.
The high-stakes interaction turned contentious, leading Edun to request an executive session, which forced journalists to exit and further agitated lawmakers.
Central to the heated exchanges were unanswered questions about savings from the removal of the fuel subsidy. Senators, including Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central), pressed for specific figures on how much had been saved and how those funds were being utilized.
“How much has truly been saved from the subsidy removal, and where has the money gone?” Senator Ningi demanded. “The public deserves to know how their sacrifices are benefiting the economy.”
The lawmakers also raised concerns about debt servicing, underperforming capital expenditure, and the dual implementation of the extended 2024 budget alongside the 2025 proposal. Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro criticized the apparent deviation from the January-December budget cycle and flagged the negative impact of declining oil revenues and rising inflation on ordinary Nigerians.
Minister Edun painted a more optimistic picture, citing improved oil production, increased revenues, and international endorsements of Nigeria’s reforms. Minister Atiku Bagudu echoed this sentiment, noting a rise in the revenue-to-GDP ratio and successes in security, social intervention, and infrastructure funding.
Despite these reassurances, senators remained skeptical, with Chief Whip Senator Tahir Monguno highlighting systemic inefficiencies in centralized payment policies that delay budget implementation and create opportunities for corruption.
As the Senate Appropriation Committee scrutinizes the 2025 budget, lawmakers are demanding greater transparency and accountability, particularly regarding the allocation of fuel subsidy savings. With public trust hanging in the balance, the executive faces mounting pressure to provide concrete data and actionable plans to justify its optimism.
The ₦49.7 trillion 2025 budget emphasizes inclusive growth, poverty reduction, and job creation. However, senators insist that without clear accountability, such promises risk being undermined by inefficiency and mistrust.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, Senator Solomon Adeola Olamilekan, has revealed that efforts to pass critical tax reform bills temporarily distracted the National Assembly from adhering to the January-to-December budget cycle. However, he assured Nigerians that lawmakers are working tirelessly to meet the January 31, 2025 deadline for the passage of the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

Responding to concerns about the loss of the January-December budget cycle, Senator Adeola clarified that the budget review timetable remains unchanged. He emphasized that deliberations are being fast-tracked to meet the proposed deadline.

Adeola acknowledged that legislative attention had shifted due to the tax reform bills, which demanded extensive deliberations and collaboration between the National Assembly and the executive arm.

“Don’t forget that along the line, the tax reform bills took a lot of our time and focus as we worked to ensure they scaled through. We are pleased that the bills have successfully passed second reading in the Senate and are now before the committee for final review,” Adeola stated.

Despite the distraction, he highlighted that lawmakers resumed work in earnest from January 6, 2025, with joint sittings of both the Senate and the House of Representatives planned to accelerate the process.

While acknowledging the challenges posed by the tight timeframe, Adeola expressed optimism that the budget passage deadline is achievable.

“As proposed in the timetable, we recommended a joint sitting of both Senate and House committees to engage with ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). This approach ensures that we complete our work swiftly and deliver the budget on time,” he said.

The senator dismissed fears that the government’s fiscal and economic targets might be compromised. He reassured Nigerians that the National Assembly remains committed to supporting President Bola Tinubu’s policy goals.

“We are working around the clock to ensure that the delay does not derail the set aims and objectives of this administration, especially in driving economic growth and infrastructure development,” Adeola stated.

Calling for public support and patience, Adeola stressed that the Senate is committed to retaining credibility and efficiency in managing the nation’s fiscal policies.

“We might have faced a slight setback, but we are determined not to lose focus. The budget passage by January 31 will allow the government to implement its programs effectively and on schedule,” he assured.

The Appropriation Committee’s focus on a joint legislative approach highlights the urgency placed on recovering lost time.

Adeola urged stakeholders and the public to remain optimistic, emphasizing that the process reflects the Senate’s dedication to ensuring economic stability and sustainable growth.