The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Alhaji Mohammed Idris, has said the 2023 supplementary budget is a bold and pragmatic response to address the current economic challenges.

Idris stated this in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Mr Rabiu Ibrahim, on Thursday in Abuja.

President Bola Tinubu on November 8 signed the 2023 supplementary budget into law.

However, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 election, Mr Peter Obi, claimed that the supplementary budget was proof that the administration was uncaring and insensitive to the needs of the masses.

Reacting to Obi through the statement, Mr Idris admonished Obi to take the time and effort to acquaint himself with the details of the N2.17 trillion 2023 supplementary budget.

He said that highlights of the budget included allocations for essential sectors including security; agriculture and food security, works and housing, wage increase for workers, student loan scheme and social safety nets, among others.

“All these aim at strengthening the country’s economic foundation and improving the living conditions of Nigerians.

“The broad provisions in the supplementary budget are a reflection of President Tinubu’s strong desire and eagerness to support the vital functions of government.

“These include addressing urgent security needs, and fast-track the country’s recovery process from the economic impact occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy,” he said.

Idris urged the opposition political parties to be informed and balanced in the exercise of their right to differing opinions and refrain from misrepresentation of facts for political gains.

He said the supplementary budget was derived from the active engagement and consultations with relevant stakeholders who ensured that the budgetary provisions aligned with the needs and expectations of Nigerians.

“In line with President Tinubu’s inclination to accountability and transparency in government expenditure, all items in the supplementary budget have been meticulously scrutinised to ensure efficient utilisation of public funds,” he added.

(NAN)