President Bola Ahmed Tinubu arrived at the National Assembly at 12:13 PM on Wednesday to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of lawmakers. This marks Tinubu’s second budget presentation since assuming office on May 29, 2023.

The President was accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, several governors, ministers, and chieftains of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by the party’s National Chairman, Abdullahi Ganduje. Also in attendance was the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

Security was significantly heightened at the National Assembly Complex ahead of the event. Only essential staff, accredited journalists, and officers were granted access, while business operators and non-essential personnel were directed to stay away. Banks, food vendors, and other services within the complex were also closed for the day.

Originally scheduled for Tuesday, December 17, the presentation was postponed to Wednesday, December 18.

In his welcome address, Senate President Godswill Akpabio described President Tinubu as a “jewel” and praised the administration for achieving remarkable strides in economic development.

The presentation underscored the government’s commitment to economic recovery and growth, with the 2025 budget expected to align with Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope” agenda.

The session began with the National Anthem, followed by prayers led by both Muslim and Christian clerics, symbolizing unity in the nation’s governance.

This pivotal event sets the tone for the government’s fiscal policies and priorities for the coming year.