The National Assembly has swiftly passed a N2 trillion supplementary budget during its third reading, a move intended to facilitate the timely implementation of critical infrastructure projects across the nation.
The upper legislative chamber, led by Senator Solomon Olamilekan, Chair of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, and the House of Representatives, led by Julius Ihonvbere, approved the supplementary appropriation bill following a detailed review and deliberation on Thursday.
Senator Olamilekan emphasized the necessity of leveraging the forthcoming dry season to expedite the execution of various projects, particularly in the realm of road construction.
The urgency of the bill’s passage was underlined as essential for ensuring the timely commencement and completion of crucial developmental initiatives.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier called on the lawmakers to accelerate the consideration and approval of the bill, citing the urgency of addressing critical issues and addressing the country’s pressing needs.
The supplementary budget includes provisions for significant allocations, such as a proposed wage increase of N35,000 for workers, amounting to N210 billion, and N400 billion allocated for cash transfers to support vulnerable citizens.
However, the budget has faced significant criticism due to certain contentious allocations within its provisions.
Notably, the proposal for the purchase of vehicles amounting to N1.5 billion for the Office of the First Lady and the appropriation of N5 billion for the acquisition of a presidential yacht have garnered widespread public scrutiny and disapproval.
Additionally, the allocation of N28 billion for the State House has raised eyebrows. Detailed analysis of the budget revealed that N2.9 billion was designated for the acquisition of sports utility vehicles (SUVs), while the renovation of residential quarters for the president and Aguda House was earmarked at N4 billion and N2.5 billion, respectively.
