The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has called on the National Assembly to withhold approval of the proposed 2025 appropriation bill, labeling it as "anti-people" and detrimental to Nigeria's progress.
The PDP warned that implementing the budget in its current form would exacerbate insecurity, poverty, and hopelessness across the nation.
Debo Ologunagba, the PDP’s spokesperson, issued a statement on Wednesday criticizing President Bola Tinubu’s budget presentation, describing it as a collection of campaign-like promises backed by questionable economic statistics.
On the same day, President Tinubu presented the proposed N47.96 trillion budget for 2025 to the National Assembly, asserting that it was designed to trigger prosperity for Nigerians. He emphasized that the budget would consolidate key government policies if implemented fully.
However, Ologunagba argued that the proposal lacks meaningful allocations to critical sectors of the economy. “The budget address sounded more like campaign rhetoric laced with unsubstantiated economic statistics, false promises, and conjured performance claims,” he said.
He further criticized the absence of actionable plans to tackle pressing issues such as insecurity, economic recovery, industrial revival, food production, and job creation. Ologunagba also pointed out that the budget failed to address rising costs of living, including the high prices of fuel, food, and essential services.
“President Tinubu dashed the hopes of millions of suffering Nigerians who expected strategic provisions to reduce the cost of fuel, food items, electricity tariffs, and other essentials that directly impact their lives,” Ologunagba added.
The PDP urged lawmakers to exercise their constitutional powers under Sections 80, 81, and 82 of the 1999 Constitution to revise the budget. The party called for adjustments to prioritize economic growth and the welfare of citizens.
As debates over the proposed budget unfold, the PDP’s stance highlights growing concerns over the nation's economic trajectory and the pressing need for policies that address the needs of everyday Nigerians.
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