The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Mr Tajudeen Abbas, has disclosed that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will soon present the 2023 supplementary budget to the joint session of the National Assembly.
Abbas, in his welcome address to lawmakers on resumption from their two-month recess, said the 2024 Appropriation Bill will also be presented by the President.
Although, the purpose of the supplementary budget was not stated, Persecondnews gathered that it is expected to cushion the effects of subsidy removal including increments in salaries and allowances for workers.
He said: “In the coming days, the executive arm of government is expected to present a 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bill as well as the 2024 Appropriation Bill to this Honourable House.
“It is expected that the time to consider these bills will be short, but we must roll up our sleeves and get to work immediately to ensure the speedy consideration of the bills that will encapsulate the yearnings of the people.
“While we will maintain the tradition established by the 9th House in terms of speedy consideration of the appropriation bills, we must diligently consider the bills to ensure that they meet the needs of our constituents.”
Abbas urged members to be prepared for extra working hours in ensuring that the budget is passed in good time so that its implementation can commence on the first day of 2024.
“Our nation and indeed this 10th House of the People do not have the luxury of time in the face of profound national challenges. We must, therefore, do everything within our power to champion causes aimed at addressing the yearnings of our people.
“On this score, our goals are clear, and our determination is unrivalled. We must key into the legislative agenda of this House as a roadmap towards navigating our numerous challenges.
“Our bills, motions, resolutions, actions, and more should reflect the legislative agenda as a joint product between the House and citizens.
“The government has been fully formed with the inauguration of ministers by Mr President, while committees have been constituted in the two chambers of the National Assembly. We have no time to spare for delivering results to our people.
“Committees must actively engage MDAs to ensure optimum service delivery in accordance with legislation passed by the National Assembly.
“In the discharge of your committee assignment and oversight, you must be guided by established legislative ethics and standing orders of the House.
“Finally, Honourable Colleagues, let us approach this new session with a renewed sense of purpose and dedication. Our nation looks to us for leadership, and it is our duty to rise to the occasion,” the speaker urged.
“Together, let us work tirelessly towards building a better future for our people, guided by the principles of justice, equality, and progress.
We have set a legislative agenda that will act as a barometer to measure our legislative actions. It is time to walk the talk,” Abbas said.
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