The Nasarawa House of Assembly has called for the upward review of its budgetary allocation in the 2023 Appropriation Bill by the state government, failing which there will be “problem”.

The assemblymen argue that provisions for members’ furniture allowances, gratuity and public hearings, among others, are omitted from the budget.

“This year’s budget is a budget of transition in the house because we will be having new members in 2023.

“There is the need for a budget for members’ furniture allowances, vehicles, gratuity and retreat, among others.

“If this budget is not reviewed upward, believe me, we will have problems at the end of the day,” Alkali Haruna, the director of finance and accounts of the assembly, said while defending the 2023 budget before the House Committee on Welfare on Wednesday in Lafia.

“What bothers us most is that we submitted a budget of 3.5 billion, but we wonder why the finance ministry cut it down to 1.7 billion.

“It is important to draw the attention of the house to the development so that something urgent should be done.

“If it is not done, at least we will be vindicated at the end of the day when issues will start cropping up,” Mr Alkali added.

He commended the speaker for being up and doing in ensuring improved standard of living for the assembly staff.

Also appearing before the House Committee on Welfare was the Nasarawa State House of Assembly Service Commission led by Mohammed Musa, the secretary of the commission, who thanked the committee for its effective synergy with the commission.

He said the commission would continue to remain grateful to the House leadership and Governor Abdullahi Sule of the state for their efforts in ensuring the development of the commission, the house and the entire state.

Responding, Abel Bala, the chairman, House Committee on Welfare, assured  that the leadership staff would continue to improve the welfare of its staff.

(NAN)