Editor
By Fatima Saka
The Senate urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize security, agriculture, infrastructure and other critical sectors in the Supplementary Appropriation bill of N2.17 trillion proposed for passage.
The bill was presented for first and second reading just immediately was unanimously adopted and passed by members of the red Chamber during the plenary on Tuesday in Abuja.
The Senate further shared concerns on the judicious utilization of the Supplementary Appropriation bill as a way to alleviate the hardship being faced by Nigerians.
The bill which is titled, “Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2023 (SB. 218) was presented by the Senate Majority Leader, Bamidele Opeyemi (APC, Ekiti Central).
Bamidele said that the Bill for an Act to authorize the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the total sum of N2,176,791,286,033 (two trillion, one hundred and seventy-six billion, seven hundred and ninety-one million, two hundred and eighty-six thousand, thirty-three naira) only, of which N18,0000,000,000 (eighteen billion naira) only is for Statutory Transfers, N992,802,015,985 (nine hundred and ninety-two billion, eight hundred and two million, fifteen thousand, nine hundred and eighty-five naira) only is for Recurrent (non-debt) expenditure while the sum of N1,165,989,270,049 (one trillion, one hundred and sixty-five billion, nine hundred and eighty-nine million, two hundred and seventy thousand, forty-nine naira) only is for contribution to the Development Fund for Capital Expenditure for the year ending on 31 December 2023 (HB. 765).
The Deputy Senate President, Senator Jubril Baraeu tasked the federal government to ensure critical sectors like the security sector are considered in the budget.
Senate Whip, senator Ali Ndume commended the federal government and urged them to pass the Bill so as to cover the gap that is already created.
Consequently, Senator Seriake Dickson in his contribution demanded that the due process should be followed in this, adding that the committees should also do their proper work.
The scale was second reading at the floor of the Senate and therefore referred to the committee on Appropriation.
President of the Senate. Sen. Godswill Akpabio, further referred to committee on appropriation to invite all the related ministries and MDA’s for deliberation and to be report back to the Senate as matter of urgency.
