The Federal Government has initiated preparations for the 2025 national budget, issuing a clear directive to ministries, departments, and agencies to include only line items that fall within their mandates.
In a bid to ensure fiscal discipline, the government emphasized the importance of focusing on projects that align with the economic priorities of the current administration.
This was disclosed by the Director-General of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu, on Tuesday at an event to commence training on the GIFMIS budget preparation subsystem for ministries, departments and agencies in Abuja, according to The Punch.
Yakubu said that the quality of the national budget has been a long-standing concern.
He noted that the training is part of ongoing efforts to sensitize stakeholders about the budgetary process, aiming to improve overall budget formulation and implementation.
He said, “The quality of our national budget has been a long-standing concern, with stakeholders often questioning the relevance, execution and effectiveness of our budgetary proposals.
“Today’s training offers a critical opportunity for all ministries, departments and agencies to reflect on their roles in the budget process. Together, we can ensure that our budget proposals for 2025 are not only robust and focused but also aligned with our national priorities.”
He further urged all MDAs to include only projects that fall within their legal mandates, reinforcing the need for adherence to established guidelines in the budgetary process.
“I urge All MDAs to stay through to their mandates. Our executive budget proposals must be coherent and purpose-driven, embodying the government’s vision for security and development.
“You hold the vital responsibility of transforming government priorities into actionable programs and projects. I encourage you to meticulously review your submissions to ensure they align with the overarching goal to safeguard the essential economic functions of producing, distributing and consuming goods and services.”
This comment comes in response to complaints from Nigerians regarding the reckless inclusion of unaccountable projects outside the primary mandates of government parastatals, highlighting widespread dissatisfaction with the current budgetary practices.
In 2023, Tracka, BudgIT’s service delivery promotion platform, revealed that over 687 projects worth N112 billion were allocated to agencies beyond their mandated scope. This finding underscores ongoing concerns about budgetary mismanagement and the need for stricter adherence to legal.
guidelines.
Speaking on the dire economic situation in the country, the DG stated that the current administration is traversing significant fiscal challenges intensified by the dual issues of insecurity and limited resources that hinder our efforts to reverse economic decline.
He added that the use of Government Integrated Financial Management Information System Budget Preparation Sub-System technology is part of the steps to achieve a more efficient budgetary system.
He expressed a commitment to implementing reforms aimed at promoting efficient resource allocation, tackling multidimensional poverty, and improving infrastructure to lower the cost of doing business in Nigeria.
Budget Office announces start of Preparations for 2025 Appropriation Bill
