A tense and disruptive scene unfolded in the National Assembly on Thursday during the Nigeria Police’s 2025 budget defence session, as lawmakers clashed over procedural issues, culminating in a walkout by Senator Onyekachi Nwoebonyi of Ebonyi North.
The Joint Committee, which was tasked with reviewing the budget and funding requests for the police, was thrown into disarray as the dispute intensified.
The trouble started when Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Kayode Egbetokun began outlining the police force’s budget, specifically regarding the planned construction of five zonal police headquarters. Representative Mark Esset of Akwa Ibom interrupted, pointing out that critical figures were missing from the budget document presented to committee members.
Senator Nwoebonyi, frustrated by the lack of proper documentation, demanded that the IGP provide all relevant details to the lawmakers. However, the Committee Chairman overruled his objection and allowed Egbetokun to continue with his presentation, sparking further tension.
In a dramatic move, Senator Nwoebonyi gathered his belongings and stormed out of the session, exchanging words with some House members who heckled him as he made his exit. His walkout left the session in turmoil, with other lawmakers expressing disappointment at the breakdown in order.
Following the disruption, Ranking Lawmaker Yusuf Gagdi defended the committee’s handling of the situation, stressing that parliamentary rules should be followed and members must wait to be recognized before speaking.
Once the dust settled, IGP Egbetokun addressed the ongoing financial challenges facing the police force. He reiterated the need for the removal of the police from the “envelope” budgeting system to ensure more reliable and adequate funding. He also shared the good news that President Bola Tinubu had approved a major increase in the police’s annual recruitment quota, boosting it from 10,000 to 30,000.
“This increase in recruitment will go a long way in helping the police force to meet the growing demands of national security,” Egbetokun said. He emphasized that sufficient funding and personnel would be key to improving the force’s performance in the coming year.

The Senate was embroiled in a heated debate on Wednesday as lawmakers questioned the Ministry of Housing over its N92 billion contractor debt and the implementation of President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Housing Program. The session highlighted concerns about transparency, project visibility, and the ministry’s capacity to address Nigeria’s housing deficit.

Central to the session was the ministry’s claim of constructing 7,522 housing units under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope agenda, with 3,388 completed. However, Sen. Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) expressed skepticism, alleging that these units are invisible in key regions, including his constituency in Bauchi State.
“These housing units are supposed to be symbols of renewed hope, yet they seem to exist only on paper,” Ningi said, calling for detailed disclosure of project locations and status.
The senators also criticized the ministry’s financial management, particularly the unresolved N92 billion debt owed to 6,455 contractors.
Sen. Osita Ngwu (PDP, Enugu West) decried the plight of contractors, many of whom borrowed funds to execute government projects under the Renewed Hope initiative.
“These contractors have been abandoned, their livelihoods destroyed, while the housing deficit remains unaddressed,” Ngwu said, urging for a special intervention fund to settle the debts.
Sen. Ningi further raised concerns about the N22.6 billion unaccounted for from the 2023 supplementary budget. “How can we move forward when past allocations remain shrouded in mystery?” he asked, demanding comprehensive reports on budget utilization.
Sen. Jimoh Ibrahim (APC, Ondo South) defended the ministry, emphasizing that housing projects require time and careful planning.
“You don’t acquire land, do surveys, and build houses overnight,” Ibrahim argued, calling for patience and faith in the Renewed Hope Housing Program.
His defense, however, provoked an uproar, with lawmakers accusing him of shielding the ministry from accountability.
Amid the drama, Committee Chairman Sen. Aminu Tambuwal intervened, rebuking the ministry for its lack of preparedness. He directed its representatives to return on Monday with detailed reports on project locations, financial breakdowns, and plans to address contractor debts.
“This committee will not tolerate vague presentations. Nigerians deserve transparency and results,” Tambuwal asserted.
The contentious session underscored growing doubts about the Renewed Hope Housing Program’s effectiveness.
While some senators defended the ministry’s efforts to bridge Nigeria’s housing deficit, others insisted on concrete results to justify public trust and future funding.
As the debate intensifies, the Ministry of Housing faces mounting pressure to deliver on Tinubu’s vision of affordable housing and restore confidence in the administration’s flagship program.

The Senate and Julius Berger Nigeria Plc have resolved their differences, signaling a renewed commitment to advancing Nigeria’s infrastructure development.
Recall that the Senate had on the 12th of December, 2024 issued a warrant of arrest against the Managing Director of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc ,for persistently refusing to appear before its committee on Works .
Resolution of the Senate on Warrant of Arrest against MD of Julius Berger, followed motion moved to that effect by the Senate Minority Whip , Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP Enugu West) .
Senator Ngwu in the motion co – sponsored by Senators Asuquo Ekpenyong ( APC Cross River South) and Mpigi Barinada (PDP Rivers South East), informed the Senate that Julius Berger Plc Julius Berger has persistently refused to appear before the Senate Committee on Works for required explanations on projects abandonment and alarming contract variation from N54billion to N195billion .
But the Senate in plenary Tuesday , vacated the warrant of arrest on the strength of written apology forwarded to it by Julius Berger .
The resolution followed a formal apology tendered by Julius Berger’s Managing Director, Engr. Dr. Peer Lubasch, for the company’s absence at previous Senate hearings.
The Senate accepted the apology, affirming its commitment to fostering cooperation with the construction giant.
Speaking at the Senate Committee on Works hearing on Tuesday, Committee Chairman Senator Barinada Mpigi said, “We have sealed our relationship with Julius Berger and are now on the same page. The absence at earlier meetings has been put behind us, and we are focused on ensuring progress in ongoing projects.”
The hearing also addressed the stalled Odukpani-Itu-Ikot Ekpene Road project.
Senator Mpigi stressed the need for clarity on why Julius Berger pulled out of the project, noting that unresolved challenges such as inflation, delayed payments, and outdated contract rates had significantly affected its progress.

Dr. Lubasch, while explaining the company’s position, highlighted macroeconomic pressures and unresolved right-of-way issues as major obstacles. He said unit rates for the project were negotiated in 2016, but subsequent cost increases—bitumen by 800%, diesel by 700%, and cement by 350%—had made the project financially unsustainable without adjustments.

Despite these challenges, he affirmed Julius Berger’s commitment to delivering quality infrastructure, often pre-financing works to ensure progress on critical projects.
Senator Mpigi lauded Julius Berger’s longstanding reputation for delivering world-class infrastructure. “With great reputation comes great responsibility,” he said, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts to meet Nigeria’s infrastructural demands.

Acknowledging Julius Berger’s apology and proactive engagement, Mpigi expressed optimism about resolving challenges and ensuring project completion.
Dr. Lubasch reaffirmed the company’s dedication to Nigeria’s development, describing it as a trusted partner for over 50 years. “Our mission is to deliver transformative infrastructure that supports Nigeria’s developmental priorities,” he stated.

He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration for its Renewed Hope Agenda, particularly its focus on forex reforms, minimum wage increases, and infrastructural development. He described these initiatives as enablers for economic growth and inclusivity.

Dr. Lubasch urged the Senate to address systemic challenges in the construction industry, stressing the need for due process and adherence to contractual agreements. He highlighted that the issues discussed were not unique to Julius Berger but indicative of broader challenges affecting the sector.

“We are confident that through collaborative efforts, we can overcome these obstacles and deliver infrastructure projects that drive economic growth and improve the lives of all Nigerians,” he said.

With Julius Berger and the Senate aligning on shared goals, the renewed partnership promises progress in delivering critical infrastructure projects, marking a significant step toward achieving Nigeria’s developmental aspirations.

END