Reps Push for Increased Budget Allocation to NIMC, NYSC, and Other Key Agencies in 2025

The House of Representatives is advocating for increased funding for several critical government agencies in the 2025 budget beyond what has been initially proposed.

Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesman of the House, made this known on Monday as the National Assembly prepares to deliberate on the N49.70 trillion 2025 budget proposal. He emphasized that key institutions essential to Nigeria’s socio-economic development require enhanced financial support.

Agbese reaffirmed the commitment of the Speaker Tajudeen Abbas-led House to fostering a “New Nigeria” and encouraged citizens to remain hopeful, assuring that current economic hardships will soon give way to national prosperity.

NIMC, NYSC, and NDA to Receive Priority Funding

According to Agbese, the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC), the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) are among the agencies set for increased budgetary allocation.

“NIMC has become a crucial agency in recent years. Many Nigerians may not fully grasp its significance, but a national data bank cannot function effectively without strengthening this institution. They have a solid plan for 2025, but they can only succeed if provided with adequate resources to train personnel and acquire cutting-edge technology. Without NIMC, the fight against terrorism will be significantly harder for security agencies,” he said.

Regarding the NYSC, the lawmaker stressed the need for reforms to sustain its relevance in meeting workforce demands across public and private sectors.

“The NYSC scheme must be preserved and enhanced, which is why we are pushing for better funding. The National Assembly is dissatisfied with the current state of the corps and believes it needs improved financial support to cater to corps members effectively,” he added.

Speaking on the NDA, Agbese noted the rising security threats posed by terrorists and emphasized the need to outmatch them through enhanced military training.

“At a time when terrorists are devising new strategies despite the bravery of our troops, we must strengthen the institutions responsible for training our security personnel. This requires improved funding to address evolving security challenges,” he stated.

Concerns Over Budget Constraints and Foreign Missions

Agbese also pointed out that the current budget envelope system is insufficient to cover the capital expenditure of many government agencies. He referenced Defence Minister Bello Matawalle’s recent appearance before the House Committee on Defence, where he expressed concerns over the N50 billion allocation in the 2025 budget, calling it inadequate.

Foreign missions were also highlighted as institutions requiring better funding. In the 2025 Appropriation Bill, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was allocated N66.88 billion for capital projects and N286.88 billion for recurrent expenditure. However, House Committee on Foreign Affairs Chairman, Oluwole Oke, argued that the ministry requires at least N500 billion to meet its financial obligations, including international organization subscriptions and United Nations General Assembly commitments.

“We recognize the crucial services provided by foreign missions and have made a strong case for increased funding,” Oke stated.

Aviation Ministry Receives Commendation

Agbese also praised the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, for his leadership and reforms aimed at boosting government revenue and enhancing Nigeria’s global image. He assured that the House is prepared to allocate more funds to the ministry in the 2025 budget.

Encouraging Nigerians to remain optimistic in the New Year, he reiterated that the Federal Government, with the backing of the National Assembly, is working to improve citizens’ welfare as swiftly as possible.


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