Janet Samuel, Abuja
The Senate has passed for second reading the N2.18 trillion naira expenditious supplementary budget forwarded to it by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
President Tinubu, in a letter read in plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, said the second supplementary budget for 2023 fiscal year was needed for the additional wage bill for public servants, cash programme for vulnerable Nigerians, road infrastructure and security.
He requested the Senate to give the bill expeditious consideration and passage as done with the N819 billion naira supplementary budget passed in June this year .
Accordingly, the Senate gave the request expeditious consideration by making it to pass second reading on the strength of lead debate made to that effect by the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC Ekiti Central)
In his contribution, the Deputy President of the Senate, Jibrin Barau, commended President Tinubu for seeking approval of the supplementary budget which according to him, is different from the earlier N819 billion naira passed in June this year .
He said Some may argue that there was a supplementary appropriations bill brought in but that was an amendment, it wasn’t something that was put together by this administration.
In his contribution Chief Whip of the Senate, Ali Ndume also supported the approval, explaining that when approved, the Federal Government will be able to address insecurity and other challenges facing the country.
Sanni Musa (APC Niger East) said there wqs need to meet up with the security challenges and allocate funds to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of the November election.
The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio in his remarks, commended the Senators for supporting the approval for the supplementary appropriation bill.
Sebator Akpabio also commended President Tinubu for seeking approval of the supplementary budget.
He, therefore referred the supplementary appropriation bill to the senate committee on Appropriations for further consideration and refer back to the Senate as soon as possible.
