National
MDAs begin 2022 budget defence in October, says Senate President
Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, on Tuesday disclosed that all ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs of the federal government should prepare to defend their 2022 budget proposals in October, warning that “this is the only allotted window for the exercise.”
Lawan, while welcoming his colleagues back from two-month annual long vacation in Abuja, said as in the previous years, the Senate in particular and the National Assembly in general was ready to receive and start work on the 2022 Appropriation Bill.
“Distinguished colleagues, the Senate Joint Committee on Finance, National Planning and Economic Matters, Petroleum Downstream, Petroleum Upstream and Committee on Banking, has been working hard on the 2022/2024 Medium Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF and Fiscal Strategy Paper, FSP.
“The report of the committee will soon be presented to the Senate for consideration. This is preparatory to the presentation of the 2022 Appropriation Bill by Mr. President soon.
“Let me emphasize that the Senate, indeed the National Assembly, is primed and ready to receive and start work on the Bill. The standing committees are ready to receive ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs for budget defense. As in the previous years, all MDAs are expected to defend their budget proposals within October 2021, as this is the only allotted window for the exercise,” he stated.
The Senate President noted that early passage of the 2020 and 2021 budget has yielded tremendous benefits to the country, particularly its economy.
“According to the second – quarter GDP report released by the National Bureau for Statistic, NBS, Nigeria’s gross domestic product, GDP increased by 5.01% in the second quarter of 2021 – strongest growth since fourth quarter 2014. This can be attributed to the early passage and subsequently implementation of the budgets.
“The National Assembly is proud to be a major factor in turning around the economic fortunes of our dear country,” he stressed.
Lawan assured Nigerians that the Senate, indeed the National Assembly, is concerned with issues that will make Nigeria more a united and stronger Federation, stressing that it is “a Nigeria where there will be unity and faith, peace and progress.”
“Distinguished colleagues, I want to remind us that this Senate pledged to be and remain the Senate that works for Nigerians.
“We have so far proven that beyond any reasonable doubt. We must therefore remain focused on this altruistic and patriotic path, in order to continue to provide pro – people and life improving legislative interventions throughout our legislative mandate.
“In conclusion, I urge us all to pray for God’s intervention,” the Senate President advised.
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