The House of Representatives on Wednesday called on the Executive to comply with Section 11(1)(b) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act and submit the 2025 Budget Proposal to the National Assembly without further delays. This call came following the adoption of an urgent motion titled “Need to Urge the Executive to Comply with Section 11(1)(b) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007,” moved by Rep. Clement Jimbo during plenary in Abuja.
In moving the motion, Jimbo highlighted that the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007 mandates the prudent management of the nation’s resources, ensures long-term macroeconomic stability, and secures greater accountability and transparency in fiscal operations within a medium-term fiscal policy framework. Additionally, the Act establishes the Fiscal Responsibility Commission to promote and enforce the nation’s economic objectives and related matters.
Jimbo pointed out that Section 11(1)(b) stipulates that the federal government must prepare and lay before the National Assembly a Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for the next three financial years no later than four months before the commencement of the next financial year.
He further referenced Sections 88 and 89 of the 1999 Constitution, along with Section 30(1) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007. He emphasized that Section 88(1) grants each house of the National Assembly the power to direct investigations into any matters concerning its legislative responsibilities, including the conduct of government ministries and departments involved in executing laws and managing funds appropriated by the National Assembly.
Jimbo expressed concern that the time required by the National Assembly to fulfill its functions, as outlined in Section 88(2)(b), is being undermined by the Executive’s non-compliance with Section 11(1)(b) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act 2007.
In adopting the motion, the House also mandated its Committees on National Planning and Economic Development, Appropriation, and Finance to ensure compliance within two weeks.