Admin I Wednesday, Nov. 01, 2023
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian Senate swiftly given its approval to the N2.18 trillion supplementary budget for the 2023 fiscal year, as proposed by President Bola Tinubu.
The bill was presented in a letter read during the Senate’s plenary by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, and it has received widespread support for its allocation to crucial areas.
The need for this supplementary budget was urgent, as it aimed to address several critical issues. These include an increase in the wage bill for public servants, a cash program to support vulnerable Nigerians, investments in road infrastructure, and enhanced security measures.
President Tinubu, in his letter to the Senate, emphasized the importance of swift consideration, drawing a parallel with the speedy approval of the N819 billion supplementary budget passed earlier in June of the same year.
In response to this call, the Senate facilitated the bill’s rapid progression to the second reading. Opeyemi Banidele, the Senate Leader (APC Ekiti Central), presented a compelling argument during the lead debate, further expediting the process.
During the general debate on the bill, several senators expressed their support for the N2.18 trillion supplementary budget. Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau commended President Tinubu for seeking approval for this supplementary budget, distinguishing it from the previous N819 billion bill passed in June.
He clarified that the previous bill had been an amendment introduced by the previous administration, primarily focused on addressing oil subsidy removal and extending the timeframe. However, this new supplementary budget represents a genuine effort by the current administration to address pressing challenges, including insecurity, kidnapping, and oil theft across various regions of the country.
Senator Barau called on his colleagues to unite in supporting the bill to enable the government to address these pressing issues, enhance infrastructure, and strengthen the agricultural sector.
Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume, echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of the budget in addressing insecurity and other national challenges.
Senator Sani Musa (APC Niger East) stressed the necessity of allocating funds to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the upcoming November election, underlining the need to effectively confront security challenges.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio expressed his gratitude for the overwhelming support for the supplementary appropriation bill and praised President Tinubu for initiating this critical step.
The bill was subsequently referred to the Senate Committee on Appropriations for further consideration and action.
