Reps pass N2.177trn supplementary budget through second reading

The House of Representatives on Tuesday received the N2.177 trillion supplementary budget transmitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for legislative approval.

The President’s letter was read by the Speaker, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas who presided over the plenary.

In line with Mr. President’s request for accelerated consideration of the Appropriation bill, the lawmakers embarked on debate of the bill and passed it through Second Reading.

The bill seeks to authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the total sum of N2,176,791,286,033 of which N18 billion is for Statutory Transfers, N992,802,015,985 is for recurrent (non-debt) expenditure while the sum of N1,165,989,2 70,049 is for contribution to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure for the year ending on 31 December 2023.

As approved by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Monday, the sum of N210 billion is for wage award; N400 billion is for cash transfer to vulnerable households; while N200 billion is for Seed and Agricultural Inputs and equipment.

The sum of N100 billion is for projects in Abuja; N604 billion is for National Security and Defence; N300 billion is for the maintenance of Bridges across Nigeria; N8 billion is for Ministry Of Marine and Blue Economy and other new Ministries while N18 billion is for the conduct of elections in Kogi, Bayelsa and Imo States.

In his lead debate, Majority Leader, Hon. Julius Ihonbvere argued that the present administration “is doing its best to respond to the yearning of the people.

“We have a government that is listening. The budget is coming at a time when it is needed. Governance at the end of the day, is about people and the courage to redirect the focus of the society,” he said.

While expressing support for the proposed supplementary budget, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Benjamin Kalu urged the members to back the bill so that the government can fix major roads across the country during the dry season.

He said many of the roads in the South-East are in terrible conditions.

On his part, Hon. Stanley Olajide observed that the proposed supplementary budget is more or less a stimulus package to address the economic challenges Nigerians are facing.

Also speaking, Minority Whip, Hon. Ali Isa, who raised concern about the implementation of the 2023 Appropriation Act lamented that: “There is a need for the government to implement the 2023 Appropriation Act.”

In his contribution, Hon. Mark Esset (PDP – Akwa-Ibom) urged relevant Standing Committees to ensure effective oversight of the ministries, departments and agencies in the bid to ensure effective budget implementation.

He therefore urged the House to give the budget an express passage.

The bill was referred to the House Committee on Appropriation for further action.

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