Supplemental budget of N2.17 trillion will deal with government programmes- Senator Barau defends Tinubu

The N2.17 trillion supplemental budget, according to Deputy Senate President Jibrin Barau, is intended to cover additional government initiatives not included in the main budget.

Barau clarified that it is typical for a “new government to request for a new appropriation” during a Tuesday debate on President Bola Ahmed’s request for an additional budget.

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We are all aware that whenever a new government takes office, it is customary for that government to introduce a supplemental appropriations bill in order to adjust its operations to align with its policies and agenda, stated Barau.

“Normally, in the first or second month of a new administration, a bill like this one for supplemental appropriations is brought to the National Assembly for approval, but this government chose to take its time in examining its problems and areas that require funding.

It required time. Thus, it was determined that we needed to address the issues with infrastructure, agriculture, and insecurity.

It was then determined that this bill ought to be presented for approval. It is a customary practise on all continents. No government may take office without first reorganising the Appropriations Act, which sets the budget, to better fit its goals and initiatives. Thus, this is not a novel concept.

Barau, a senator from Kano North Senatorial District, praised President Tinubu for taking the time to understand the issues facing the country before presenting the supplemental budget, but he also contended that the previous administration was responsible for it.

Some would contend that a supplemental appropriations measure was introduced, but that wasn’t created by this administration; rather, it was an amendment.

It was introduced by the previous administration, but at that time, we required a longer period of time to address the issue of the removal of oil subsidies, therefore some funds were removed in order to do so.

Thus, it is normal that this is the actual supplemental appropriations bill for this administration.

We are dealing with an issue of insecurity, so I am urging our colleagues to back the current administration by passing this measure and getting it resolved as soon as possible.

“We can observe what is occurring even in Abuja; kidnapping, one-shot, and robbery are now frequent occurrences.”

“We are having challenges in the Niger Delta over oil theft and other related issues, as well as issues with kidnapping and other related issues in the Northwest and Central regions.

“To address these concerns, the appropriations bill is necessary for the Federal Government. We must support it in order for the government to safeguard our nation, improve our infrastructure, and grow the agriculture industry.