Reps Debate Motion Seeking Presidential Explanation on Delayed Constituency Project Funding

ABUJA — A motion seeking to invite President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to address the House of Representatives over delays in the funding of constituency projects sparked intense debate during Wednesday’s plenary, exposing differing opinions among lawmakers on legislative oversight and budget implementation.

The motion, sponsored by the member representing Aba North/Aba South Federal Constituency of Abia State, Hon. Alex Mascot Ikwechegh, raised concerns over the pace of implementation of the 2025 Appropriation Act and the release of capital funds for projects approved by the National Assembly.

Presenting the motion, Ikwechegh argued that many constituency and zonal intervention projects across the country have experienced significant setbacks due to delays in the release of funds to Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs). He noted that information presented during budget defence sessions indicated that several MDAs had received limited or no capital releases despite budgetary allocations.

According to the lawmaker, the situation has affected the execution of projects intended to improve infrastructure and public services in communities nationwide, raising concerns about the effectiveness of budget implementation.

As part of his proposal, Ikwechegh urged the House to invite President Tinubu to provide explanations on the reported delays in funding constituency projects and the broader challenges associated with budget execution.

The proposal, however, generated mixed reactions among members of the House.

Lawmakers who supported the motion argued that the National Assembly has a constitutional responsibility to exercise oversight over the implementation of the national budget and to seek explanations where appropriated funds are not released as expected.

Others opposed the proposal, contending that the implementation of constituency projects falls primarily within the responsibilities of the relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies rather than the President personally. They maintained that any inquiry should be directed at the appropriate government institutions responsible for project execution and fund disbursement.

The differing positions led to an animated debate on the floor of the House before Speaker Tajudeen Abbas intervened.

Ruling on the matter, the Speaker stated that the prayers contained in the motion as presented differed from those contained in the version originally submitted to the House. He subsequently declined to admit the motion in its current form, bringing further consideration of the proposal to an end.

The debate has renewed attention on the implementation of constituency and zonal intervention projects, which lawmakers have consistently described as important mechanisms for delivering infrastructure, education, healthcare, water, and other public services to communities across the country.

It also underscores continuing concerns over the pace of budget implementation and the release of appropriated funds for capital projects.

As implementation of the national budget progresses, observers say discussions surrounding the execution of constituency projects and legislative oversight are likely to remain prominent within the National Assembly and the wider public policy space.