The House of Representatives has called on President Bola Tinubu’s administration to comply with Section 11(1)(b) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007, and submit the 2025 Budget Proposal to the National Assembly without further delay.
This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Clement Jimbo, representing Abak/Ika/Etim Ekpo Federal Constituency of Akwa Ibom State, during yesterday’s plenary session.
In his motion, Jimbo highlighted that Section 11(1)(b) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act mandates the federal government to present a Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for the next three financial years to the National Assembly at least four months before the start of the new financial year.
Jimbo expressed concern that the executive’s delay in complying with this section was limiting the time available for the National Assembly to fulfill its constitutional duties. He stressed that the Act aims to ensure prudent management of the nation’s resources, maintain long-term macroeconomic stability, and promote accountability and transparency in fiscal operations.
He further referenced Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution and Section 30(1) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, which empower the National Assembly to investigate and oversee any matters related to the implementation of laws and the disbursement of funds appropriated by the assembly.
Following the motion’s adoption, the House resolved to establish an ad-hoc committee to ensure compliance within two weeks.