The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has urged President Bola Tinubu to instruct Ministers and Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) of the federal government to refrain from international travel during the budget defense period.
Mr. Akpabio made this request during his address at the presentation of the 2024 appropriation bill to a joint session of the National Assembly.
Specifically, the Senate President called on President Tinubu to ensure that all ministers and heads of federal government agencies avoid overseas trips that may hinder their appearance before federal lawmakers to defend their budget estimates.
He emphasized that members of both chambers of the National Assembly will conduct a thorough examination of the 2024 budget before its passage.
“In conclusion, we assure you that the proposals you have come to present will be diligently considered accordingly. We approach this moment with a sense of duty, unity, and purpose.
“To ensure maximum attention to the review of the Year 2023 Budget performance and the consideration of the Year 2024 Budget Proposal, we request that Mr President would mandate Honourable Ministers and Heads of Agencies to avoid any travelling engagements that would prevent them from honouring our invitation to promptly appear before our committees to defend their budget estimates.
“As we embark on the journey of reviewing the 2024 budget, let us remember that our actions today will shape the future of our nation. Together, let us work towards a budget that reflects the aspirations and dreams of every Nigerian citizen for a greater country,” Mr Akpabio said
The budget defence is expected to commence next week and be concluded before the end of December.
Mr Akpabio appealed to the federal government to find a lasting solution to reducing the high debt profile of the country.
“We also want to plead with the government to do all within its powers to reduce our high debt profile. We know that Mr President inherited this worrisome burden. But then the mark of a great leader is that he fixes the problems wherever they exist,” he added.
The senate president assured of the commitment of the federal lawmakers in supporting the administration of President Tinubu to fulfil its promises.
“Mr President, as we embark on this budget presentation, let us reaffirm our commitment to responsible governance, fiscal prudence, and the efficient allocation of resources for the benefit of all Nigerians. Together, with the spirit of unity and collaboration, we can overcome challenges and usher in an era of unprecedented development through reinvigorated revenue generation and fiscal prudence,” he emphasized.
Mr Akpabio further stated that the federal lawmakers will continue to fight against corruption.
He said the National Assembly will collaborate with anti-corruption agencies to prevent corrupt individuals from embezzling public funds.
“We will continue to support the war against corruption and collaborate with anti-graft agencies to ensure that we do not continue to lose money that could be used to develop our people. The Tenth Assembly will always stand with the people, protect their constitutional rights and fight for their welfare.
“We are glad that you share these sentiments for our people and had codified these in the Renewed Hope Agenda. This Agenda resonates with us as an instrument the people endorsed by voting you into office. Our legislative agenda constellates around it and we believe its faithful implementation would augur well for our nation, and put our country on a new growth trajectory.
“Mr President, we reiterate and assure you of the National Assembly’s readiness to support your administration. Our legislative agenda reflects our dedication to the Nigerian people, and we look forward to achieving remarkable milestones for our great nation under your purposeful leadership.
