The Nigerian House of Representatives has received President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's request for N1.15 trillion in domestic borrowing to cover a deficit in the 2025 budget. Lawmakers referred the proposal to a committee for review amid demands for the release of funds for stalled capital projects from 2024 and 2025 budgets. Tensions rose during closed-door sessions as contractors protested unpaid work.
On Wednesday, November 5, 2025, the House of Representatives in Abuja received a formal request from President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, dated October 31, 2025, seeking approval to raise N1.15 trillion from the domestic debt market. This borrowing aims to finance part of the N14.10 trillion deficit in the 2025 Appropriation Act, following the National Assembly's upward revision of the budget from the executive's proposed N49.74 trillion to N59.99 trillion. The initial borrowing provision of N12.95 trillion left an unfunded gap of N1,147,462,863,321.39, as detailed in the president's letter read by Deputy Speaker Benjamin Okezie Kalu.
Tinubu justified the request under Section 44 (1–2) of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007, stating: “This increase created a budget deficit of N14.10 trillion. However, the proposed borrowing approved in the budget was N12.95 trillion, which occasioned an unfunded deficit of N1,147,462,863,321.39... It is, therefore, necessary to increase the domestic borrowing limit in the 2025 budget by N1,147,462,863,321.39 to close this gap.” The House referred the matter to its Committee on Aids, Loans and Debt Management for scrutiny on justification, repayment, and debt sustainability implications. House Spokesperson Akin Rotimi emphasized the legislature's commitment to fiscal accountability and national interest.
Concurrently, lawmakers voiced frustration over delays in funding capital projects from the 2024 and 2025 budgets. Discussions occurred during two closed-door sessions, where members considered halting legislative activities until funds were released and warrants issued for 2025 projects. The delays have led to stalled projects, abandoned sites, and slowed local economies, with at least five prior assurances unfulfilled. Deputy Speaker Kalu, presiding in Speaker Abbas Tajudeen's absence, appealed for reconvening out of respect for the president, attributing issues to administrative delays in ministries. On Tuesday and Wednesday, indigenous contractors blocked the National Assembly entrance protesting non-payments. Lawmakers insisted any new loans must result in visible project delivery.