PBAT’s N1.1tr Request : House Seeks Further Legislative Action

The House of Representatives has referred President Bola Tinubu’s request to borrow ₦1.15 trillion from the domestic debt market to its Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management forfurther legislative action.

In a letter dated 31 October 2025, the president sought parliamentary approval for the borrowing plan to help cover the deficit in the 2025 budget.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over plenary session said the request followed an increase in the budget size by the National Assembly from ₦49.74 trillion to ₦59.99 trillion which created an additional funding gap of about ₦1.15 trillion.

President Tinubu noted that the move complies with Nigeria’s Fiscal Responsibility Act, which requires legislative approval for all new borrowings.

In line with its oversight mandate to promote fiscal prudence and transparency, the House referred the request to the Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management for detailed scrutiny.

The Committee is expected to commence legislative consideration and report back to the House for further legislative action.

The referral underscores the commitment of the House to uphold fiscal responsibility, debt sustainability, and accountability in the implementation of the 2025 Budget.

Meanwhile, during two closed-door sessions held on Wednesday, lawmakers demanded full implementation of the capital component of the 2024 Appropriation Act.

Expressing displeasure over the protest by Indigenous Contractors who blocked the main entrance of the National Assembly complex in Abuja on Tuesday and Wednesday, the lawmakers called for immediate release of funds for completed projects.

They further urged the Executive to ensure prompt commencement of the capital implementation of the 2025 Appropriation Act once approved, to avoid project delays and stalled development initiatives.

Following the deliberations, the House adjourned plenary till Tuesday next week.

Oduyemi Odumade, Edited By Grace Namiji