By Sabiu Abdullahi
The Nigerian Senate has passed the N2.18 trillion 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bill, a request for consideration by President Bola Tinubu.
The bill, which was presented to the Senate during Tuesday’s plenary session, received expedited attention as requested by President Tinubu in his letter to the Senate.
The Chairman of the Senate Committee of Appropriations, Solomon Adeola, laid the report before the Red Chamber on Thursday, leading to the bill’s express approval.
Reports indicate that the Committee on Appropriations had engaged with key ministers heading the agencies outlined in the supplementary budget, including the Minister of Works, David Umahi; Minister of Housing, Ahmed Dangiwa; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; Minister of State for Defence, Hon. Bello Matawale; and service chiefs.
Prior to the bill’s passage, the Senate adopted a harmonised report compiled from discussions in both chambers concerning the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bill, submitted by Senator Adeola. Lawmakers emphasised that swift approval was in the best interest of the nation.
Senator Adeola stated that his committee had meticulously reviewed the budget details with input from relevant sub-committees and heads of the benefiting ministries, departments, and agencies of the government.
Following a thorough clause-by-clause consideration, the Senate adopted the Committee’s report without any alterations, returning it to the President.
This decisive action underscores the Senate’s commitment to national fiscal responsibility and ensuring the timely allocation of resources for the country’s development projects.