The Joint National Assembly Committee on Appropriations has issued a 48-hour ultimatum for all sub-committees to submit their reports on the 2024 budget.
This directive comes in response to President Bola Tinubu’s presentation of the N27.503 trillion total projected expenditure for the 2024 fiscal year to the National Assembly last month. Out of this amount, N18.324 trillion is earmarked as the targeted revenue, with N9.18 trillion designated as the deficit to be financed through internal and external borrowings as well as proceeds from privatization.
Sub-committees have commenced the submission of their reports to the joint committee on Appropriations, led by Senator Olamilekan Adeola of Ogun West.
Notably, the Committee on Tourism, chaired by Senator Ireti Kingibe, and the Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations, headed by Senator Victor Umeh, have already submitted their reports.
Senator Adeola emphasized the importance of meeting the specified deadline to ensure that the National Assembly adheres to the January-December budget cycle. In his remarks, he urged all sub-committees to promptly submit their reports, highlighting the significance of timely submissions in the budgetary process.
“I am appealing to all my colleagues; I am ready and the deadline is Wednesday this week to receive all reports, all standing committees of the senate,” stated Senator Adeola. “By Wednesday, any agency or any committee that has not submitted their report before the committee, it is assumed that you are giving us the omnibus power to go ahead and treat your budget independently of that committee.”
He further appealed to all committee chairpersons to ensure the submission of their reports on or before the specified deadline, emphasizing the committee’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of the budgetary timeline.
