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NASS gives reason for extension of 2024 budget life span to next year

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N70,000 minimum wage applies to domestic workers, Akpabio says

Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, yesterday, was full of effusive praise for the performance of the 2024 budget, saying it was impressive.

Akpabio, said the lifespan of the 2024 budget would be extended beyond December 31 because of its late submission, made this known when he led members of the National Assembly in a solidarity chant that affirmed their support for the Bola Tinubu presidency.

He said, “We have noted the 2024 budget performances of 50 percent for capital expenditure and 48 percent for recurrent expenditure respectively. Given these great achievements, we have deemed it necessary to extend the life of the 2024 budget to June 30, 2025.

“The enabling law for this extension has already been put in place by this patriotic Assembly as a testament to our appreciation for the great performance of the budget, ensuring we build upon your momentum.

“We commend your steadfast commitment to collaborate, cooperate and work with the National Assembly to achieve your grand vision for Nigeria.”

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Capital Markets and Institutions, Osita Izunaso (APC, Imo West), noted that the late submission of the budget proposals would not make the January to December national budget cycle possible.

He said, “The budget is coming late. Today is December 18, so we will lose that culture of beginning a new year with a new budget. Nevertheless, the budget has a lifespan of 12 months.

“So, whenever we pass it, it will have a lifespan of 12 months. Even after 12 months, we still have the liberty to extend it. In fact, we are extending the 2024 budget today.

“But, that culture of starting on January 1, we have lost it. The executive ought to have brought this budget way before now. But, I believe that maybe they are putting things together.

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“They wouldn’t want to delay deliberately bringing the budget to the National Assembly. So, I am saying that that is not a problem, but we have lost that culture.”

Ahead of the budget defence sessions, Akpabio has tasked heads of MDAs on prompt response to the National Assembly’s invitation.

He said it was important for ministers and heads of extra-ministerial departments to respond promptly to requests by the national assembly for them to come and defend their sectoral allocations.

“Let me take this opportunity to stress the importance of ministers and heads of extra-ministerial departments to be prepared to respond promptly to requests for them to come and defend their sectoral allocations.

“This is in the exercise of our legislative oversight.

“We have observed behaviours from some ministers and heads of extra-ministerial departments, who sometimes neglect their duties to promptly submit to legislative oversight, sometimes even disregarding invitations from relevant committees of the legislature.

“It is imperative they understand that we will not condone such breaches of the constitution, going forward.”

Akpabio commended Tinubu’s initiatives at strengthening Nigeria’s security framework.

“Your (Tinubu’s) initiatives to strengthen our security framework stand as a testament to your resolve in tackling the pressing challenges of our time.

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“We commend your tireless efforts, along with those of our brave men and women in uniform, for liberating our lands from the grip of terrors.

“Today, no community is under the threat of terrorism, a monumental achievement we celebrate together. The reduction in kidnapping incidents and the neutralisation of over 11,000 terrorists and insurgents is a testament to their patriotism, strength and determination.”

According to him, Tinubu’s dedication to fostering international relations paves the way for fruitful partnerships that will propel the country forward.

“We are witnessing a resurgence in foreign direct investments, made possible by your visionary directives that ease the visa processes for Nigerians travelling to other countries.

“At the same time, we welcome investors and tourists alike to our country.

“Your innovative approaches in our embassies and the ministry of foreign affairs have opened new doors for Nigeria and its people,” he said.

Akpabio further stated that the introduction of social welfare programmes by the Tinubu-led administration had embodied an unwavering belief in uplifting the living standards of the citizens.

“We commend your steadfast commitment to collaborating, cooperating and working with the national assembly to achieve your grand vision for Nigeria,” he said.

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