Abuja, Nigeria – February 28, 2025 – President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has announced an upward revision of the 2025 national budget, increasing the total expenditure from ₦49.7 trillion to ₦54.2 trillion. The increase, amounting to ₦4.5 trillion, was made to accommodate additional spending on infrastructure, security, and economic reforms.
The decision was conveyed in an emergency budget review session held at the National Assembly in Abuja, where President Tinubu emphasized the need for strategic financial adjustments to sustain economic growth and address pressing national challenges.
The revised budget reflects the administration’s commitment to economic stability and national development. According to Finance Minister Wale Edun, the additional funds will be allocated to key sectors, including:
Infrastructure Development – A substantial portion of the increased budget will go towards the completion of major road projects, railway expansions, and power sector improvements to enhance connectivity and industrialization.
Security Enhancement – With rising security concerns, particularly in the North and other volatile regions, more funds will be directed to equipping security agencies, recruiting personnel, and implementing intelligence-driven operations.
Education and Healthcare – The government plans to allocate a significant portion of the revised budget to revamping public schools, increasing teacher salaries, and improving healthcare infrastructure across the country.
Economic Stimulus and Job Creation – To cushion the impact of inflation and unemployment, additional resources will be used to support local businesses, boost agricultural production, and fund youth empowerment programs.
Members of the National Assembly have generally welcomed the budget increase, though some lawmakers have raised concerns about Nigeria’s growing debt profile. Senate President Godswill Akpabio commended President Tinubu’s vision, stating that the additional spending was necessary to address urgent national priorities.
However, opposition lawmakers have urged the administration to ensure transparency in budget implementation and prevent wasteful expenditures. Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe of the opposition party emphasized the need for accountability in government spending, stating, “While we support initiatives that will drive national progress, we must ensure that every naira is spent judiciously.”
Economic analysts have offered mixed reactions to the budget increase. While some experts believe that the additional spending will stimulate economic growth and attract foreign investments, others have warned that it could worsen inflation and increase Nigeria’s debt burden.
Dr. Bismarck Rewane, a leading financial expert, noted that “expanding the budget is a positive step if managed effectively, but it must be backed by increased revenue generation to avoid excessive borrowing.”
President Bola Tinubu’s decision to increase the 2025 budget to ₦54.2 trillion reflects his administration’s resolve to address national challenges and foster economic growth. However, the success of the revised budget will depend on efficient implementation, revenue mobilization, and accountability in governance. As the nation anticipates further developments, all eyes remain on how the government will navigate fiscal challenges while delivering on its promises.
