President Bola Ahmed Tinubu presented Nigeria’s 2025 budget proposal to the Lawmakers on Wednesday, totalling N26.14 trillion, with defence and security receiving the largest share of N4.91 trillion.
The budget, which prioritizes national security, has sparked a significant debate, with many arguing that sectors like education and health are being sidelined.
Infrastructure follows closely with a N4.06 trillion allocation, while education and health received N3.52 trillion and N2.48 trillion, respectively. This shift in funding has raised concerns, particularly among those who argue that social services, which impact the daily lives of Nigerians, should be better funded to address the country’s long-standing socio-economic issues.
President Tinubu addressed the nation, emphasizing the urgency of addressing corruption and insecurity. “Our nation faces existential threats from corruption and insecurity… These challenges are surmountable when we work collaboratively to overcome them,” he stated.
Despite the President’s commitment to security, critics argue that the government’s emphasis on defense is neglecting crucial sectors. James Ajayi, a resident of Abuja, expressed his concerns in an interview with Africa Health Report (AHR), stating, “Nigeria still has a long way to go. No country can make progress if it continues to underfund its public education system,” he said.
On the other hand, Adeola Samson, weighing in on the security debate, highlighted the difficulty of advancing education in areas plagued by insecurity: “Education cannot thrive in the midst of insecurity. Who can go to school comfortably in a war zone?”
Concerns over the effective use of the budget were also raised by Cletus Okoro, who noted: “Education is a priority, but let the country be secure first. I just hope they will use the funds wisely and not squander them.”
The budget is now set to undergo scrutiny and approval by the National Assembly, which will determine its final direction.
