The Senate is poised to pass the N2.18 trillion 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bill on Thursday, following its recent submission by President Bola Tinubu. The swift consideration of the bill was initiated as per the request articulated in the letter read during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Following extensive deliberations, the budgetary proposals outlined in the bill were given a green light for a second reading. Consequently, the Committee on Appropriations, led by Senator Solomon Adeola, representing the All Progressives Congress, Ogun West, embarked on an intense series of discussions with heads of the seven concerned agencies until the late hours of Wednesday.
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Senator Adeola, addressing the media, emphasized that the committee’s reports on the supplementary budgetary proposals would be promptly submitted to the Senate for final deliberation and passage on Thursday.
Adeola said,
“As mandated by the Senate on the strength of the request made by President Bola Tinubu, the Appropriations Committee has met with heads of the affected seven agencies supplementary budget proposals were provided for.
“Heads of each of the agencies have defended proposals made for them by the President and convinced the committee on the need for the Senate and by extension, the National Assembly to approve the N2.17tn 2023 supplementary budget.
“The committee has carried out the assignment given in line with the urgency required on the basis which reports for final consideration and passage of the bill, will be submitted to the Senate today (Thursday).”
During the committee’s interactions with the concerned agencies, the Minister of Housing, Ahmed Dangiwa, staunchly defended the allocation of N100 billion for the Federal Ministry of Housing in the supplementary budget. Dangiwa underscored that the funds would be utilized for the construction of vital housing estates across the nation, aiming to bolster the housing infrastructure.
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FCT Minister Nyesom Wike, in his presentation, justified the allocation of N100 billion in the supplementary budget for the Federal Capital Territory, with a significant portion designated for the completion of the metro rail, crucial for enhancing transportation in the region. Wike also highlighted the imperative need to demolish abandoned structures in the FCT to prevent them from becoming potential havens for criminal elements from neighboring states.
The Committee also heard presentations from other key ministers, including the Minister of Works, David Umahi, defending an allocation of nearly N400 billion for critical infrastructure projects.
Additionally, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari, and the Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawale, along with several service chiefs, presented their respective proposals to the Committee.
