President Bola Tinubu in a moment of blunder referred to the 10th Nigerian National Assembly as 11th National Assembly, arousing laughter and applause while presenting the 2025 budget on Wednesday.
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the 10th National Assembly of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is a bicameral legislature inaugurated on 13th June 2023 and will run its course until 13th June 2027.
After observing protocols already established by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu addressed the joint session of the 10th National Assembly before officially presenting the 2025 budget.
In a bid to correct the blunder, Tinubu, who disclosed that he wrote “11th” in his speech, declared all members of 10th National Assembly reelected for 11th Assembly.
Responding to the blunder committed by the President, lawmakers, present in the green chambers, where the 2025 budget presentation was held, were heard chanting “we will do 11”.
Watch video below:
“I wrote 11th,” says President Bola Tinubu as he declares all members of 10th National Assembly reelected for 11th Assembly in a moment of blunder in 2025 budget presentation. pic.twitter.com/N8otDsTT5b
— Oyibo of Abuja (@oyiboediri) December 18, 2024
2025 Budget: Akpabio commends Tinubu for doubling government revenue
Meanwhile, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio commended President Bola Tinubu for doubling aggregate government revenues to over N18.32 trillion.
Akpabio gave the commendation on Wednesday, when Tinubu presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill before a Joint Session of the National Assembly.
The 2025 Budget of N47.9 trillion is themed: “Budget of Restoration, Securing Peace and Building Prosperity”.
In his welcome speech entitled, “A Call to Unity and Progress”, Akpabio said: “Nigerians are taking notice of your remarkable achievements.
“You have doubled aggregate government revenues to over N18.32 trillion, reduced debt servicing expenditures from 97 per cent to 68 per cent, fulfilled $7.5 billion in foreign exchange obligations.
“You have increased oil production to 1.8 million barrels per day and launched the Compressed Natural Gas initiative.
“Your administration has processed over N45.6 billion for student payments, signed the National Minimum Wage Law and raised the national minimum wage to N70,000 a month, while providing over N570 billion in financial support to the 36 states.
Akpabio also lauded Tinubu on his tax reform initiative.
“The four tax reform bills are the Joint Revenue Board of Nigeria (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Revenue Service (Establishment) Bill, 2024; Nigeria Tax Administration Bill, 2024; and Nigeria Tax Bill, 2024.
“These represent a monumental shift in our fiscal landscape.
“It is disheartening that those who have not taken the time to understand these bills are the loudest critics.
“I urge all Nigerians, especially those in public office to engage with these vital reforms thoughtfully,” he said.
He said that the initiative marked the first comprehensive tax reform since Nigeria’s independence, presenting a transformative opportunity for rejuvenating small and medium enterprises and enhancing the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians.
“These reforms will not only improve Nigeria’s revenue profile but also create a more conducive and internationally competitive business environment, transforming our tax system to support sustainable development,’’ he said.
Akpabi also said the president’s infrastructure renaissance had paved the way for many roads, including the Coastal Road and crucial arteries in Abuja Capital City and other parts of the Nigeria.
“These developments are not merely about concrete and asphalt; they represent the lifeblood of our economy, connecting our people and fostering growth.
Akpabio also said that “we have noted the 2024 budget performances of 50 per cent for capital expenditure and 48 per cent for recurrent expenditure respectively.
“Given these great achievements, we have deemed it necessary to extend the life of the 2024 budget to June 30, 2025.
“The enabling law for this extension has already been put in place by this patriotic Assembly, as a testament to our appreciation for the great performance of the budget, ensuring we build upon your momentum,” he said.