National Assembly Members Kick Over Tinubu's Non-Release Of Funds, Condemn Akpabio, Abbas’ Leadership

National Assembly Members Kick Over Tinubu's Non-Release Of Funds, Condemn Akpabio, Abbas’ Leadership

Tension is brewing within the National Assembly as lawmakers have openly expressed frustration over President Bola Tinubu’s failure to release funds for capital projects in the 2025 fiscal year — a situation that has sparked outrage and division among both chambers of the legislature.

Barely two months before the end of the fiscal year, many lawmakers say they have been left stranded, unable to execute constituency projects that were promised to their respective communities. The development has triggered heated debates and open condemnation of the leadership of Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, whom some lawmakers accuse of “failing to stand up to the executive.”

Speaking earlier in the week, Hon. Yusuf Gagdi, representing Pankshin/Kanke/Kanam Federal Constituency of Plateau State, lamented the current administration’s handling of constituency project funding. Gagdi revealed that despite President Tinubu’s initial approval of ₦1 billion worth of intervention projects for each member of the House of Representatives, the allocation was later slashed by half — leaving many projects unimplemented.

“Our legislators are here, and we have peculiarity. There is no federal lawmaker in Abuja who is directly given constituency funds in cash. Instead, in each state, lawmakers are allocated an envelope worth ₦1 billion to propose project ideas,” Gagdi explained.

“But the truth is, as we speak, not a single kobo has been released for capital projects in 2025. This is unacceptable, especially when the year is almost over.”

According to inside sources, many legislators are growing increasingly impatient, accusing the leadership of both the Senate and the House of Representatives of “playing safe” with the executive arm instead of demanding accountability and fiscal responsibility. Some lawmakers reportedly threatened to stage a collective walkout if the issue of delayed releases and unfair budget cuts is not urgently addressed.

A ranking senator who preferred anonymity said the non-release of funds has placed them in a difficult position before their constituents, who are expecting development projects promised during the campaign.

“Our people don’t want excuses; they want roads, boreholes, schools, and empowerment programs. The president approved the projects, but no funds are being released. This has made us look like liars before the same people who voted us into office,” the senator lamented.

The tension is further heightened by allegations that the leadership of the National Assembly has been shielding the executive from scrutiny in exchange for political favors and personal gains. Critics say Akpabio and Abbas have turned the legislature into a “rubber stamp” arm of government, prioritizing loyalty over national interest.

Civil society groups have also begun weighing in, urging the Tinubu administration to ensure transparency in the release of budgeted funds, warning that the continuous delay could cripple constituency-level development and erode public confidence in the government.

As the fiscal year draws to a close, observers say the standoff between the lawmakers and the presidency could deepen if urgent steps are not taken to address the funding impasse. For now, uncertainty looms large over the fate of 2025 capital projects, as both chambers of the National Assembly prepare for what may become one of the most contentious budget sessions in recent years.