On Thursday morning, the National Assembly complex was under heavy security as President Bola Ahmed Tinubu prepared to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of lawmakers.
As of 8:00 a.m., senators and members of the House of Representatives were seen arriving at the Green Chamber, the session’s designated venue.
Security within and around the National Assembly was heightened, with reinforcements from various security agencies visible at key entry and exit points. National Assembly management also restricted business operations within the complex.
All ancillary service providers, including food vendors and bank operators, were shut down for the day. Additionally, visitors and nonessential staff were instructed to stay away from the premises. Only essential staff members with proper accreditation and a select number of reporters were granted access.
The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved an estimated expenditure of ₦47.96 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year on Monday. President Tinubu is expected to present this amount to the legislature formally.
The budget, which is said to focus on infrastructure development, fiscal consolidation, and social investment programs, will outline the administration’s spending priorities for the upcoming year.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives Abbas Tajudeen will preside over the joint session.
Lawmakers are anticipated to scrutinize the budget and its allocations, particularly in the context of the administration’s ongoing economic reforms.
President Tinubu is expected to highlight key areas such as healthcare, education, security, and infrastructure, while addressing concerns about inflation, unemployment, and the high cost of living.