President Bola Tinubu has been requested by Senate President Godswill Akpabio to forbid federal ministers and heads of ministries, divisions, and agencies (MDAs) from departing the country while the budget is being defended.
The suggestion was made by Mr. Akpabio during the introduction of the 2024 appropriations bill on Wednesday during his speech to a joint session of the National Assembly.
In particular, the Senate President encouraged President Tinubu to issue an order prohibiting any ministers or heads of federal government agencies from travelling in order to avoid them having to appear before federal lawmakers to defend their budget estimates.
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He declared that the budget for 2024 will be carefully examined by both houses of the National Assembly before it is approved.
Finally, we would want to reassure you that the suggestions you have brought forth will be carefully taken into account. We come to this moment feeling unified, purposeful, and obligated.
In order to give the Year 2023 Budget Performance Review and the Year 2024 Budget Proposal the greatest possible attention, we kindly ask that Mr. President order Honourable Ministers and Heads of Agencies to refrain from travelling to any location that would impede them from accepting our invitation to promptly appear before our committees to defend their budget estimates.
“Let us keep in mind that the decisions we make today will have an impact on the direction of our country as we analyse the budget for 2024. Let’s collaborate to create a budget that represents the goals and desires of every Nigerian citizen for a better nation, Mr. Akpabio stated.
It is anticipated that the budget defence would start the next week and be finished by the end of December.
high level of debt
Mr. Akpabio urged the federal government to come up with a long-term plan to lower the nation’s huge debt load.
We also wish to beg the administration to use every resource at its disposal to lower our excessive debt load. It is known that the President inherited this concerning responsibility. The hallmark of a strong leader, however, is one who solves issues wherever they arise, he added.
The head of the Senate gave assurances regarding the federal parliamentarians’ dedication to backing President Tinubu’s government in keeping its commitments.
“Mr. President, let us reiterate our dedication to accountable leadership, prudent financial management, and the effective distribution of resources for the good of all Nigerians as we begin this budget presentation. Together, via revitalised revenue production and fiscal prudence, we can overcome obstacles and usher in a period of unparalleled development,” the speaker stated.
Corruption
According to Mr. Akpabio, federal lawmakers would keep up their campaign against corruption.
According to him, the National Assembly would work with anti-corruption organisations to stop dishonest people from stealing public cash.
We’ll keep up our support for the fight against corruption and working with anti-graft organisations to make sure we don’t lose any more money that could be utilised to help our people grow. Tenth Assembly will always work for the welfare of the people and stand up for their constitutional rights.
“We are happy that you have enshrined these feelings for our people in the Renewed Hope Agenda and that you agree with them. We support this agenda because it is a tool that the people who elected you into office embraced. Our legislative agenda revolves around it, and we think that if it were faithfully implemented, it would be auspicious for our country and set it on a new course for growth.
“Mr. President, the National Assembly stands ready to help your administration, as we have reiterated and assured you. We are committed to the Nigerian people, as evidenced by our legislative agenda, and with your determined leadership, we hope to accomplish great things for our wonderful country. But, there are high expectations placed on those who receive a lot, so we will work to fulfil the Assembly’s oversight duties and make sure that tax payer money is used in a way that best serves them, Mr. Akpabio stated.
