Finance Minister Calls for Strategic Resources Allocation to Deliver on Development Priorities

Finance Minister Calls for Strategic Resources Allocation to Deliver on Development Priorities

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

The Federal Ministry of Finance has expressed optimism that strategic resource allocation and prudent management would drive the nation’s development priorities as well as enhance greater economic prosperity.

Speaking on Tuesday, in Abuja during the Ministry’s 2025 Budget defence before the House of Representatives Committee on Finance, the Honourable Minister of State for Finance, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, pointed out that the 2025 budget has been carefully designed to align with national priorities, adding that it focuses on key areas such as economic development, infrastructure enhancement, and sustainable fiscal practices.

The Minister, who stood in for the Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun, highlighted the Ministry’s critical role in shaping fiscal policies and fostering economic growth. She reaffirmed the Ministry’s dedication to building a stable, resilient, and thriving economy in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration.

Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, who appeared before the House of Representatives Committee on Finance accompanied by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, and the Ministry’s Directors to present and defend the Ministry’s proposed budget for 2025, assured further that the Ministry will continue to ensure the realization of the policy objectives of government in order to improve the lives of millions of Nigerians.

While presenting a summary of the budget performance for 2024, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs. Lydia Shehu Jafiya, explained that the Ministry’s 2024 budget had already been largely utilized, primarily on overheads, personnel expenses, and limited capital projects. She added that the proposed 2025 budget includes provisions to address pressing needs.

She explained further that the additional resources will facilitate essential upgrades to the Ministry’s Headquarters, emphasizing the importance of a conducive working environment for enhancing operational efficiency and service delivery.

Following detailed deliberations, the Committee’s Chairman, Honourable James Faleke, commended the Ministry’s team for their presentation. He assured them that the Committee would carefully review the proposal and communicate its decisions in due course.

The session concluded with an acknowledgment of the Ministry’s pivotal role in driving fiscal stability and sustainable development for Nigeria’s future.

(L-R) Minister of State Finance Dr Doris Uzoka-Anite, Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Finance Mrs Lydia Shehu Jafiya and Director, Finance and Accounts Mrs Ngozi Felicitas Okonkwo