House of Reps row over Tinubu’s poor budget implementation

By our reporter 8.7.2026
Members of Nigeria’s House of Representatives were engaging in a shouting match Wednesday following disagreements on whether to summon President Bola Tinubu to explain to the Nations how he spent the 2025 budget.
Hon. Benedict Etanabene, representing Okpe/Sapele/Uvwie Federal Constituency of Delta State, set the ball rolling when he called on the house to invite President Tinubu to throw more light on the implementation on the 2025 appropriation bill and the delayed release of appropriated funds, and worsening funding gaps affecting ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
Hon. Etanabene stated that the President need to account for the trillions of naira approved by the National Assembly.
But House Speaker, Abbas Tajudeen, brushed off the issue for debate saying that it was raised under a personal explanation. “Personal explanation” according to the standing orders of the House of Reps allows members to clarify or explain issues affecting them personally or matters requiring immediate clarification. Such statements are ordinarily not subject to debate or decision by the House.
However, Alex Ikwechegh representing Aba North Abia State revamped the issue under matters of urgent public importance, effectively reopening the debate through the appropriate parliamentary procedure.
Mr Ikwechegh argued that Sections 80 and 81 of the 1999 Constitution vest the power of appropriation in the National Assembly, and that the integrity of the budget process depends not merely on passing appropriations but also on the timely release, cash backing, and utilisation of approved funds.
He said disclosures made by ministers and heads of MDAs during the ongoing 2026 budget defence sessions painted a disturbing picture of the implementation of the 2025 budget. He cited protests by indigenous contractors the Federal Ministry of Finance and the National Assembly over unpaid certificates for completed and verified contracts.
Mr Ikwechegh further recalled that President Tinubu had, during a Federal Executive Council meeting on 10 December 2025, directed the settlement of verified contractor liabilities estimated at N1.5 trillion.
He said the Federal Executive Council subsequently approved N1 trillion to begin clearing the outstanding obligations, while the Minister of Finance also publicly announced plans to settle verified debts, yet the contractors have not been paid.
He also pointed out that the government was trying delay tactics with directive the contrators must obtain certificates of verification and compliance before payment as was contained in a directive issued on June 29, 2026 by the office of the Accountant General.
He urged the House to invite President Tinubu to personally explain why appropriated funds had not translated into improved security and infrastructure.
His suggestion was greeted by loud chants of “Carried” from several lawmakers.
However, Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau) opposed the proposal to invite the president.
While expressing support for investigating poor budget implementation, Mr Gagdi argued that parliamentary oversight should follow established constitutional procedures.
He said the National Assembly should first invite ministers and officials directly responsible for implementing government policies rather than summoning the president.
“It is good to hear each other. Democracy and the principle of federalism have constitutional procedures. Holding the government accountable also has a modus operandi. Nigeria operates under different departments and agencies, and it is only proper for Parliament to invite those delegated with constitutional responsibilities,” he said.
His submission threw the House into uproar with chants of “Sit down,” before Speaker Tajudeen attempted to restore order.
“I would want to kindly call for the House to split, so that we can take votes on each of the two sides, if we want to continue,” the speaker said.
After a last debate the lawmakers adopted the motion but bypass the call for Tinubu to appear before the house. Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu also intervened, explained that although Mr Ikwechegh verbally mentioned inviting the president while presenting the motion, the proposal did not form part of the official document circulated to lawmakers.
The speaker subsequently ruled that the matter be referred to an ad hoc committee to be constituted later for further legislative action, hitting the gavel to signify the House’s decision.