NASS WORKS HARD TO PASS 2024 BUDGET BY THE END OF DECEMBER 2023
The two Chambers of the National
Assembly are working tirelessly and assiduously to ensure the passage of the
2024 Appropriation Bill before the end of this year, even with the daunting time
constraint challenge staring the lawmakers on the face.
With few days to the end of 2023, the
nation’s Parliamentarians are currently scrutinizing next year’s Federal Budget
Estimates of N27.5 trillion Naira meant for 541 Ministries, Departments and Agencies
(MDAs) of the Federal Government.
Apparently, the Appropriation Bill
having smoothly scaled through Second Reading and referred to the Committee on
Appropriation of both Chambers for further legislative inputs. The stage is set
for the legislators to properly scrutinize the Bill through Budget Defence by
the MDAs which review the implementation of the current year budget and justify
the allocation of next year’s budget.
Accordingly, the Budget Defence which
lasted almost two weeks has been completed, the next line of legislative action
is the Presentation of Reports by the various Special and Standing Committees
of both Chambers that scrutinized the MDAs budgets.
Thereafter, two days (Monday and
Tuesday December 18 and 19, 2023) have been ear marked for the submission of
Committee Reports on MDAs’ Budget Defence to the Committee on Appropriation.
The Committee subsequently prepare, present and lay a comprehensive final
Report on the 2024 Money Bill before the Hallowed Chamber for consideration and
possibly ultimate passage into law.
Nevertheless, the scrutiny of 2024
Budget Estimates has been very tough in view of time constraints,
Parliamentarians have demonstrated utmost patriotism, resilience and hard work
in ensuring the passage of the Bill within record time of one month.