Lawmakers pass 2017 budget for second reading

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Lawmakers pass 2017 budget for second reading

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President of the Nigerian Senate, Dr.Bukola Saraki, has charged the committee on Appropriations to ensure there is equitable distribution of capital projects to all the regions of the country, as various committees go into detailed work on the 2017 budget proposal.
Dr. Bukola Saraki

Dr. Bukola Saraki

Senator Saraki gave the charge following the end of a three day debate on the general principles of the 2017 Appropriations Bill of =N=7.29 trillion, and subsequent passage of the bill for second reading.The Senate President urged his colleagues to be more vigilant in their scrutiny of the budget proposal, so as to avoid all forms of duplication of expenditures on items, and block the leakages where necessary.“As I commit this appropriations bill to the appropriations committee and their sub-committees, we should objectively review the planned expenditures and revenues in line with the main objectives of the 2017 budget which we have discussed; pulling us out of the recession, investing in our people, laying foundations for a diversified, sustainable and inclusive growth. And I hope that on this area, we ensure that we do our best in ensuring that this exercise this year is far better than last year.”Thereafter, the Senate adjourned plenary until February 21st, 2017, to enable the Appropriations committee carry out its assignment, which includes the budget defence by the various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the government.The Senate President also announced that different public hearings will hold during the period of the budget defence, to give opportunity to members of the Nigerian public to make input into the budgeting process.He said the public hearings and other scheduled meetings with relevant stakeholders were part of measures introduced by the 8th National Assembly to strengthen the Nigerian budgeting process by enhancing its transparency and citizens’ participation.Meanwhile, a minor leadership reshuffle involving five committees of the senate was carried out by the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki.The former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume is now to head the committee on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), replacing Senator Abubakar Kyari who now heads committee on Defence.Three returnee Senators who recently won their re-run elections in Rivers and Kogi states were also appointed heads of various committees. Senator Magnus Abbey who represents Rivers south east district is now the Chairman of the committee on the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), while his counterpart from the Rivers East district, Senator George Sekibo is to Head the committee on Interior.Senator Atai Aidoko representing Kogi East district was named Chairman of the committee on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).Source: Government

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