….Sends Bill To Appropriation Committee For Action
In line with President Bola Tinubu’s plea in a letter on the 2023 Supplementary Budget sent to the Senate on Wednesday, the lawmakers in the Red Chamber swiftly passed the N2.18 trillion supplementary budget for the 2023 fiscal year through .
The supplementary budget bill, which was read during plenary by the Senate President, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, received widespread support from the lawmakers for its allocation towards essential areas.
The president had stated that supplementary budget was urgently required to address several critical issues, including an increase in the wage bill for public servants, a cash programme for vulnerable Nigerians, investments in road infrastructure, and enhanced security measures, amongst other needs
Tinubu, in his letter to the Senate, stressed the importance of prompt consideration of the fiscal proposal, drawing parallels to the speedy approval of the N819 billion supplementary budget passed earlier in June of the same year.
In consideration of the urgency of funds for the government to perform its key roles in governance, the Senate swiftly passed the bill to the second reading stage following the Senate Leader, Sen. Opeyemi Bamidele, made a compelling reason for the passage during the lead debate.s.
During the general debate on the bill, many of the lawmakers voiced their support for the passage of the N2.18 trillion supplementary budget.
For instance, the Deputy Senate President, Sen. Jibrin Barau, commended President Tinubu for seeking approval for the supplementary budget, adding that the latest bill represents a genuine effort by the current administration to tackle pressing challenges, including insecurity, kidnapping, and oil theft across various regions of the country.
The Senator appealed to the other senators to support the passage of the bill to enable the government address pressing issues, enhance infrastructure, and bolster the agricultural sector.
Also, the Chief Whip of the Senate, Sen. Ali Ndume, expressed similar position, emphasizing the importance of the budget in addressing insecurity and other national challenges.
In his remarks, the President of the Senate thanked the lawmakers for the overwhelming support for the supplementary appropriation bill and President Tinubu for initiating this critical step.
The bill was referred to the Senate Committee on Appropriation for further consideration and action.
