By Gift ChapiOdekina, Abuja
The Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, Hon. Philip Agbese, has credited President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s timely intervention with preventing a potential crisis in the National Assembly over delays in the release of funds for 2024 and 2025 capital projects.
Agbese spoke following last week’s protest by indigenous contractors who disrupted activities at the National Assembly to press for payment for contracts executed since 2024.
During a closed-door session on Wednesday, lawmakers expressed concern over the poor funding of national budgets and called for full implementation of the capital component of the 2024 Appropriation Act. They also urged the Executive to promptly commence funding for the 2025 capital budget to avoid delays in development projects.
“The frustration expressed by some of our colleagues was genuine. Many projects across the country, especially constituency projects, were stalled due to non-release of funds. This also affected indigenous contractors who had executed 2024 capital projects but were yet to be paid,” Agbese said.
He recalled that the situation escalated last week when hundreds of contractors, under the All Indigenous Contractors Association of Nigeria (AICAN), blocked the main entrance of the National Assembly, preventing vehicular access. “The protest was an unfortunate reflection of the economic pressure they were under. Some lamented that non-payment had forced them to sell properties or close their businesses,” he added.
Agbese explained that Speaker Tajudeen Abbas and other principal officers engaged the Presidency to defuse tensions. “The intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu was decisive. He directed the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and the Accountant-General of the Federation, Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, to commence immediate payment to contractors. Some payments are already being made, restoring calm within the House,” he said.
The Deputy Spokesperson praised Speaker Abbas for handling the matter with maturity, ensuring both lawmakers’ and contractors’ concerns were addressed without confrontation. He also clarified that the delay in budget implementation was not due to the Tinubu administration but resulted from the need to complete projects and obligations carried over from previous fiscal years.
Agbese called on the Executive to expedite implementation of the 2025 capital budget, while commending the President for demonstrating “commitment to good governance and fiscal responsibility.”
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