The Deputy Spokesman for the House of Representatives, Rep. Philip Agbese (APC-Benue) says plans are ongoing to increase funding for some strategic agencies in the 2025 Appropriation Bill.

The agencies are National Identity Management Commission (NIMC) National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) and the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) among others.

Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Monday, Agbese that the agencies are considered very critical to the nation’s socio-economic development and have been pencilled down for improved funding in the 2025 fiscal year.

“We are making a case for improved funding for the National Identity Management Commission, the National Youth Service Corps, and the Nigerian Defence Academy in the 2025 budget proposal. There are other agencies of government that are likely to benefit from this too.

“NIMC has become a very important agency of government in the past few years. A lot of Nigerians may not know how critical the agency is but we cannot talk about a national data bank without empowering that commission.

“The ideal of the NYSC must be sustained and this informed the decision to demand adequate funding of the corps.

“At a time when terrorists continue to come up with new strategies despite the gallantry of our troops; we cannot but devise means to outwit them.

“One of the ways to do this is to improve the funding of the institutions charged with the mandate of building the capacity of our security personnel to tackle emerging security challenges.

“In all of these, we also realised that the budget envelope system is not enough to meet the capital expenditure needs of most of these agencies,” he said.

He said that the house is prepared to increase funding for Nigeria’s foreign missions under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as well as the Ministry of Aviation.

Agbese urged Nigerians to stay optimistic as the Federal Government, with the support of the National Assembly, is working hard to make life enjoyable to the citizens within the shortest possible time.

He enjoined Nigerians to be hopeful as the current hardship being felt across the country will soon give way to national prosperity.

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving the ease of doing business, ensuring regulatory stability, and fostering strategic alliances to boost Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.

Sen. John Enoh, Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, said this at the Renewed Hope Global Virtual Conference 2025.

Enoh said that while significant progress had been made, the government was focused on streamlining business operations, reducing bottlenecks, and enhancing investor confidence.

The minister reiterated the role of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC) in driving reforms to simplify business processes.

“The PEBEC, previously chaired by the Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, plays a crucial role in improving the business climate.

“The President has recently appointed a new head to continue this important work.

” Government policies are continuously evolving to ensure Nigeria remains competitive within the sub-region, the continent, and the global economy.

“While we have not achieved everything yet, the goal is clear to create a business environment that supports industrial growth, attracts investment, and enhances job creation,” he said.

The minister said that policy predictability and regulatory transparency were essential for investor confidence.

“Investors need assurance that today’s regulations will remain consistent or, if changes occur, they will be clearly communicated in advance.

” The government is fully aware of this and is working towards ensuring a stable business climate,” he said.

Enoh acknowledged past challenges faced by businesses, but reassured that under President Bola Tinubu’s administration, measures are in place to hold agencies accountable and address bureaucratic delays.

“I understand the frustrations caused by procedural delays, but that is precisely why PEBEC and other regulatory agencies exist, to remove obstacles and facilitate smoother business operations,” he said.

The minister also reiterated the government’s push for synergy and collaboration between agencies to eliminate inefficiencies.

“A lot of agencies have operated in silos, but once everyone understands that we are working for the common good of Nigeria, achieving our economic objectives becomes much easier,” he said.

He also revealed an upcoming partnership between the government and FCMB to improve access to finance for small businesses.

“In our meeting yesterday, I emphasised that this collaboration must offer something unique.

” It should not be solely driven by profit motives but must align with the government’s vision to support businesses at reasonable costs,” he said.

The minister assured that the administration was taking concrete steps to address business concerns and enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness.

“This government is intentional about reform. We are committed to making it easier to do business, ensuring transparency in regulations, and fostering partnerships that truly benefit Nigerian entrepreneurs,” he said.

The Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Rep. Aliyu Betara (APC-Borno), has congratulated the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, on his emergence as THISDAY/Arise TV Minister of the Year.

Betara, in a congratulatory message issued in Abuja, eulogised the leadership virtue and dedication of the minister to infrastructural development in the territory.

The lawmaker, representing Biu/Bayo/Shani/Kwaya Kusar Federal Constituency of Borno, said that the award was well-deserved.

“On behalf of the House of Representatives Committee on FCT, I wish to extend my warmest congratulations to the FCT Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike, on your well-deserved recognition as the Minister of the Year by THISDAY/Arise TV.

“This prestigious honour is a testament to your visionary leadership, tireless dedication and exceptional contributions to the infrastructural transformation in the territory.

“Your unwavering commitment to service and your determination to improve the lives of residents and visitors alike to the FCT has been nothing short of exemplary.

“Through your bold initiatives and strategic policies, you have not only enhanced the aesthetics and functionality of Abuja, but have also reaffirmed the FCT’s position as a beacon of progress and modernity in Nigeria,” he said.

Betara said that the recognition was a reflection of the positive impact of Wike’s work and the admiration he had earned across various sectors.

While describing the recognition as an outstanding achievement, the lawmaker prayed that the milestone would serve as an inspiration for greater accomplishments in service, with integrity and purpose.