Again, Lawmakers Summon Edun, Bagudu Over ₦9 Billion Budgetary Allocation

The National Assembly has summoned President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Ministers to testify regarding the ₦9 billion budget allocation for the Ministry of Solid Minerals for 2025.

Those involved are the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, the Budget and Economic Planning Minister, Atiku Bagudu, and the Director-General of the Budget Office, Tanimu Yakubu.

Naijaonpoint reports that this decision was made during a meeting of the joint committee on Solid Minerals on Monday, following Bagudu’s failure to attend a previous session.

The joint committee, led by Senator Sampson Ekong (PDP, Akwa Ibom South), had requested Bagudu’s presence last week to clarify the reasons behind what was deemed an “inadequate” allocation for the Ministry of Solid Minerals. However, the minister did not appear.

The Minister of Solid Minerals, Dele Alake, had previously stated that the proposed ₦9 billion capital allocation for the ministry in the 2025 fiscal year was insufficient.

He made these remarks during his appearance before the committee for the budget defence last week.

The committee reiterated that the proposed amount was significantly inadequate for the ministry’s needs.

In the latest summons issued on Monday, January 20, Bagudu, Edun, and Yakubu are expected to appear before the committee on Tuesday.

Chairman of the joint committee said, “Hon Minister, we are satisfied with spirited efforts put up by you to get the ₦9 billion budgetary proposal for your ministry in 2025 reviewed upward by the Ministers in charge and DG budget office, but disappointed that despite the efforts, nothing has been added to the proposed ₦9 billion.

“Therefore, in line with the resolution taken now, this joint committee still rejects the ₦9 billion proposal for the Solid Minerals Ministry and summons the Ministers of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning and the DG Budget, to appear before it tomorrow (Tuesday) by 3pm prompt.”

During the session, a committee member from Delta State, Kama Nkemkanma, asserted that the 2025 budget represents an act of sabotage, as it significantly underfunds the essential sectors required to stimulate the economy.

“The affected ministers and the DG Budget Office must appear before this joint committee as resolved,” he said.