The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Adeola Olamilekan, has confirmed 31 January 2025 as the provisional date for passing the ₦49.7tn 2025 budget, with budget defence sessions set to commence on Tuesday.
Olamilekan made the announcement on Monday during a meeting with committee chairmen to outline the framework for the 2025 Budget Defence Session, aiming to streamline the process for its eventual enactment.
He disclosed that following the Senate’s resumption on 14 January 2025, a two-week break would begin to ensure a smooth continuation of the budget defence process.
A retreat involving ministries, departments, agencies, civil society organisations, and stakeholders is scheduled for Thursday to provide deeper insight into the budget proposal.
Between 15 and 18 January, committees are expected to finalise their reviews and submit documents, enabling collation and finalisation by the Appropriations Committee.
Acknowledging the tight schedule, Olamilekan urged lawmakers to prioritise the budget process over holidays, stressing the importance of timely and efficient deliberations.