President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, has said the rampaging pandemic, coronavirus has precipitated loss of revenue for the country.
Addressing his colleagues, on Tuesday, at the Senate Chamber after a five-week recess, he said the novel disease has caused dwindling revenue from crude oil sales for the country.
He said the deadly scourge has affected adversely the 2020. Budget estimate, not just because of falling oil prices, but also because it has forced a reduction in economic activities, leading to an enormous loss of revenue.
He said the economic predicament and health challenges are thrown up by the pandemic compelled the National Assembly to reconvene from recess “to enable us (Senate) to sustain work on solutions and to ensure that the health crisis does not create further problems that might be much more difficult to deal with.”
He stated that the National Assembly had a series of engagement with the executive arm of government on areas of adjustments for a more realistic implementation of the 2020 budget.
“We are confident that we shall soon overcome this crisis, like previous health emergencies. All hands will, however, have to be on deck to register a quicker and more resounding success.”
While he acknowledged that the pandemic has killed a lot of Nigerians, President of the Senate advised Nigerians to adhere strictly to the precautionary measures to save themselves from the contagious disease.
He called on lawmakers to educate their constituents on the importance of social distancing, personal hygiene, and the need to avoid large gatherings.
“We have also lost many of our dear compatriots. One of them is the Chief of Staff to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Mallam Abba Kyari. We condole with President Mohammadu Buhari (GCFR) on this painful loss, just as we mourn other citizens who have died because of the disease
“Citizens need to comply with measures like use of facial mask and reduction in movements until the virus is gone.
“It is also important we educate them on the guidelines and protocols of the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) on reporting suspected cases.
“The task before us is imperative and the responsibility of the legislator is even more important because of our closeness to the people.”
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