Budget defence: FG bars ministers, heads of MDAs from int’l travels

To ensure speedy passage of the 2020 budget, President Muhammadu Buhari has barred ministers and all heads of ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) from international travels, to enable them personally defend their budget at National Assembly.

In a statement issued on Friday and signed by Willie Bassey, the Director Information, the international travel restriction will enable Functionaries and Agencies of the Executive Arm to provide the required cooperation with the Legislature in order to ensure timely passage of the Appropriation Bill.

Ministers who have already secured approval to travel are by this directive, required to revalidate such approvals with Mr. President after confirming the Schedule of Appearances with the relevant Committees of the National Assembly.

All Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have been directed to liaise with the relevant committees of the National Assembly for their schedules of budget defence.