Senate passes N982.7 billion supplementary budget
The Senate has passed the N982.7 billion 2021 Supplementary Appropriations Bill.
This followed the adoption of the report of its Committee on Appropriations at Wednesday’s plenary.
Presenting the report, Chairman of the Committee, Senator Barau Jibrin, said the supplementary budget was to make available funds for procurement of military equipment and COVID-19 vaccines among others.
He said the committee considered the contributions of lawmakers during debate on the general principles of the bill.
“The committee had an engagement with relevant stakeholders and subsequently harmonised its report with that of the House of Representatives’ Committee on Appropriations.
“Consequently, the Committee in line with the harmonised position with the House of Representatives recommended an upward review of funding for some security agencies that were grossly underfunded in the supplementary appropriation bill,” he said.
Mr Jibrin listed the agencies to include Nigerian Navy, Ministry of Police Affairs, Defence Intelligence Agency, Department of State Security Services and Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
“The committee hereby recommends authorisation of issuance from the consolidated revenue fund of the federation the aggregate sum of N982 billion.
“Out of which N123 billion is for recurrent non debt expenditure, while the N859 billion is for contribution to the development fund for capital expenditure for the year ending Dec.31,” he said.
President of the Senate, Ahmed Lawan, said the supplementary budget was targeted at addressing security challenges facing the country, as well as ensuring procurement, administration and management of COVID-19 vaccines.
Mr Lawan said the Senate expected its relevant committees to be alive in their oversight duties to ensure effective utilisation of the funds.
He said it was important to have a review of the application of the funds before the passage of the 2022 appropriation bill.
Mr Lawan said passing the supplementary appropriation was a necessary intervention by the National Assembly and the Federal Government.
President Muhammadu Buhari had presented a supplementary appropriation bill of N895.8 billion to the National Assembly for approval.
The lawmakers, however, raised the amount to N982.7 billion, representing an increase of N86.9 billion.
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
NationWide
Focus on criminals, stop targeting journalists, CPJ tells Nigerian security agencies
She also pointed out harsh bail requirements imposed on journalists, describing Mr Ugagbe’s bail conditions as “utterly punitive.”
Education
Tinubu upgrades Nasarawa poly to university
Mr Onanuga said the approval followed a proposal by Senator Ahmed Aliyu, who represents the Nasarawa West Senatorial District.
Lagos
Lagos govt signs agreement to automate vehicle registration
Mr Osiyemi said the initiative would simplify and speed up vehicle registration by eliminating cumbersome processes.
States
Three rescued, one body recovered as building collapses in Kano
The PRO attributed the collapse to the use of poor and substandard building materials.
NationWide
FG calls for stronger African collaboration to combat illicit wealth, transnational corruption
Mr Fagbemi added that the recovery and transparent management of proceeds of crime remained a key pillar of the country’s anti-corruption policy.
Heading 2
FG reiterates commitment to ensuring safe return of Nigerians from South Africa
“The last evacuation flight, which is expected to bring home approximately 300 of our nationals, is expected to arrive in Nigeria next week,” Mr Ebienfa said.
