MTEF: Natasha Akpoti Queries FG’s Plan to ‘Mop Up’ Funds for Private Sector
Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central, has raised concerns over the federal government’s proposed plan to “mop up” funds as part of efforts to support the private sector.
The lawmaker voiced her concerns on Tuesday during an interactive session on the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), held at the National Assembly complex in Abuja.
The session was organised by the Senate Committee on Finance and featured the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, who presented the federal government’s fiscal outlook and policy direction for the medium term.
While responding to the presentation, Akpoti-Uduaghan questioned how the plan to mop up funds would work in practice, noting that such a policy could have unintended consequences for liquidity, businesses, and the broader economy. She stressed the need for clarity on the source of the funds, the mechanism for redistribution, and how the policy would genuinely stimulate private sector growth without stifling economic activities.
The senator urged the federal government to ensure transparency and proper legislative oversight in implementing fiscal measures, particularly those that could affect investment, job creation, and access to capital.
In his response, Edun explained that the government’s fiscal strategy is aimed at stabilising the economy, improving macroeconomic indicators, and creating an enabling environment for private sector participation. He noted that the administration is focused on balancing revenue generation, expenditure control, and economic growth.
The interactive session formed part of the National Assembly’s review process of the MTEF and FSP, which outline government spending priorities, revenue projections, and fiscal policies for the next three years.
