The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, has firmly rejected calls for the Federal Government to resort to printing additional naira to address funding gaps in the 2025 budget, amid growing concerns over the alleged non-release of capital funds and delays in the payment of contractors.

Edun made the clarification during an urgent strategic session with the Senate on the 2025 budget performance and broader fiscal policy framework, where lawmakers raised questions over capital expenditure implementation and borrowing levels.

Responding to suggestions that the government could adopt fresh “ways and means” financing similar to that deployed under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari, Edun stressed that the era of unchecked monetary financing was over.

Also, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, said Nigeria’s core challenge lies in the relatively small size of its economy compared to peer nations. He cited comparisons with countries such as Brazil, Indonesia and Pakistan

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Sani Musa, said the interactive session was convened to ask critical questions regarding government borrowings, approved funds and the 2025 appropriation gaps.

Lawmakers expressed concern over delayed contractor payments and capital project execution, signaling intensified oversight as the 2025 fiscal year progresses.