Abdulqudus Ogundapo

INEC said the proposed N40 billion in the 2025 budget is insufficient.

The Minister of Power said many Nigerians need orientation to realise that the power sector is a national asset that needs protection.

"As we return to our legislative duties, we are immediately faced with a matter of utmost importance: the consideration of the national budget. I have no doubt that, as always, we will approach this with our usual patriotic fervor and meticulous diligence."

The permanent secretary had told the lawmakers that in 2024, the State House was allocated N4 billion for the purchase of operational vehicles, but that N3.9 billion was released for the purpose, while N2 billion was used to replace SUVs.

The DG said the bureau prevented contractors from diverting at least N40 billion annually.

Works minister, David Umahi, said President Tinubu inherited about 2,064 uncompleted projects worth N13 trillion and that the funds to complete the projects could not be sourced elsewhere other than borrowing.

The minister said even after getting a positive response from the president, he intensified his efforts to get additional allocation, but all his efforts were unproductive.

The Minister of Solid Minerals had told the committee that he lobbied the budget minister and the budget office to increase the allocation to the ministry.

Senate panel urges Tinubu to consider conducting census in 2025

Nigeria, Jan. 22 -- The Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, has called for increased education sector funding to tackle the menace of Almajiri and out-of-school children in Nigeria.