The 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bill of ₦2.18 trillion, forwarded by President Bola Tinubu, is expected to receive Senate approval on Thursday.
The prompt consideration of the request was in response to Tinubu’s letter, which was read during the Senate plenary on Tuesday.
The budgetary recommendations put forth in the bill were debated, approved for a second reading, and the Committee on Appropriations was directed to consult with agency leaders to justify the proposals.
Headed by Senator Solomon Adeola, the committee, representing the All Progressives Congress, Ogun West, convened with the heads of the seven affected agencies until late Wednesday, informing journalists that the reports on the supplementary budget proposals will be presented to the Senate for conclusive deliberation and passage on Thursday.
Adeola said, ‘As mandated by the Senate on the strength of the request made by President Bola Tinubu, the Appropriations Committee has met with heads of the affected seven agencies supplementary budget proposals were provided for.’
‘Heads of each of the agencies have defended proposals made for them by the President and convinced the committee on the need for the Senate and by extension, the National Assembly to approve the N2.17tn 2023 supplementary budget.’
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‘The committee has carried out the assignment given in line with the urgency required on the basis which reports for final consideration and passage of the bill, will be submitted to the Senate today (Thursday).’
Africa Today News, New York, reported that at the committee’s meeting with agency heads, Minister of Housing Ahmed Dangiwa advocated for the N100 billion allocated to the Federal Ministry of Housing in the supplementary budget, with a focus on its utilisation for the development of housing estates throughout the nation.
FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, in his presentation, supported the N100 billion allocation in the supplementary budget for the Federal Capital Territory, with a dedicated N22 billion set aside for the completion of the metro rail, as reported.
Wike briefed the committee members that in order to bolster security and safety in FCT, all neglected structures would be demolished to deter them from becoming hideouts for criminals from neighboring states.
Among those presenting before the committee were Minister of Works David Umahi, advocating for his almost N400 billion appropriation, Senator Abubakar Kyari, Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Minister of State for Defence Bello Matawale, and the service chiefs.