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| President Tinubu presents Nigeria’s 2025 Budget of Restoration. |
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu moved to the National Assembly to present the 2025 Budget for Restoration. Getting such a name as the president is not likely to overemphasize his administration's priorities of stability and growth and the need for the country to move forward. Should this budget be considered the change the world needs or just another plan to be shelved?
This is the largest budget in Nigeria, and it is worth ₦49.7 billion. Tinubu described it as a crucial step forward, boldly proclaiming, “The time for lamentation is over. This is a time to act.” His message was clear: Nigeria has to change from being a complaint-oriented society to a solution-oriented society.
Breaking Down the Big Numbers
The budget’s priorities? Defence, infrastructure, education, and health. Tinubu’s plan is heavy on addressing foundational issues. Here’s where the big bucks are going:
₦4.91 trillion for defence and security: Let’s face it without safety; nothing else works. This allocation reflects Nigeria’s urgent need to tackle insecurity head-on.
4.06 trillion for infrastructure: From pothole-filled roads to power supply issues, the promise here is to upgrade critical infrastructure.
₦3.52 trillion for education: Tinubu’s words about rebuilding prosperity start here, empowering the next generation.
2.48 trillion for health: A commitment to accessible healthcare for every Nigerian.
Tinubu also pointed to what he called undeniable progress: GDP growth has climbed to 3.46% in Q3 2024 (up from 2.54% in Q3 2023). The country’s foreign reserves are now a robust $42 billion, and a trade surplus of ₦5.8 trillion underscores the resilience of Nigeria’s economic policies.
Promises vs. Reality
On paper, these numbers look impressive. But Nigerians have seen bold plans before. The real question is: will these promises translate into the change we can feel in our everyday lives? Will the ₦4.91 trillion allocated for security mean safer streets? Will the education budget fix dilapidated schools and provide quality learning? Will our hospitals finally have enough doctors and equipment to handle more than the basics?
This is where scepticism meets hope. Tinubu acknowledged the challenges ahead, urging unity and collective action. According to him, “Together, we can rebuild this nation not as individuals but as one united people.”
A Path Forward
There is one fact that has become obvious: The risk has never been so significant. This is because Nigerians have grown weary of political statements that do not seem to have any substance behind them. They want to see change, and they want to see it now; they want roads that are not flood-prone, electricity that doesn’t go off in the middle of use, and structures that serve the majority rather than the elite.
Perhaps what sets this budget apart is the emphasis on collaboration. Tinubu has called on every Nigerian to play a part, be it citizens, private sector leaders, or policymakers. The underlying message? The government can’t do it alone.
It will not all be easy, as we have outlined the journey ahead, but this budget could be the much-needed impetus for change. It might turn out to be a typical political statement, however, and amount to nothing but a nice-sounding concept. At this point, the stage is set, and Tinubu must carry on with the game, and the citizens of Nigeria are expecting him to.