At Budget Presentation, Tinubu “Re-Elects NASS Lawmakers in 2027”

At Budget Presentation, Tinubu “Re-Elects NASS Lawmakers in 2027”

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday lightened the mood during his presentation of the 2025 national budget to the joint National Assembly when he jokingly told legislators that they had already been re-elected.

The humorous moment occurred after the President mistakenly referred to the lawmakers as the “11th National Assembly” instead of the “10th legislators” during his speech.

The correction, made by several members of the National Assembly, prompted Tinubu to quickly reply with a smile, telling them, “You’re already re-elected!”

The comment sparked a burst of laughter and applause from the legislators, who found the jest endearing.

The chamber was filled with rowdy cheers and light-hearted praise as the lawmakers took the playful remark in stride.

President Tinubu continued his address, delivering key details of the 2025 budget, but the light moment with the lawmakers remained a highlight of the session.

His spontaneous comment helped foster a warm atmosphere, briefly easing the formalities of the occasion.

Tinubu was accompanied to the presentation by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume; and the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila; among other top government officials.

The presentation was expected to take place on Tuesday but that was moved to Wednesday after a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) held on Monday at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

According to the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, the 2025 expenditure is projected at forty-seven trillion nine hundred sixty billion naira, with an increase of 36.8 percent from the 2024 estimate.

Bagudu said the 2025 Appropriation Bill is pegged on an oil price benchmark of $75  per barrel, oil production of 2.06 million barrels per day, and an exchange rate of N1,400 to a dollar.