The Senate has issued a stern warning against lackadaisical attitudes from government functionaries in Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) during their defence submissions, emphasizing its commitment to maintaining the budget implementation cycle from January to December.
The caution was articulated by Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, during a one-day retreat in Abuja on Tuesday. The retreat, hosted by the Senate Appropriations Committee, focused on ‘Budget and Budgetary Processes: Delivering Improved Outcomes of the 2024 Appropriation Bill.’
Deputy Senate President Barau Jibril, representing Akpabio, conveyed the message, highlighting that there would be unfavorable consequences for any official or agency hindering the passage of the bill. The 2024 Appropriation Bill was described as a significant national event, representing a commitment to an all-inclusive budget process for the greater national good and adherence to the budget cycle.
Akpabio commended the chairman and members of the appropriation committee for involving stakeholders in the 2024 budget process through interaction and feedback during the retreat. He acknowledged the stakeholders’ commitment to proposing recommendations and solutions on behalf of the Nigerian people, recognizing the multifaceted aspects of the budget related to fiscal targets, resource allocation, public expenditure policy, productivity, and efficiency.