The Senate on Tuesday announced the postponement of debate on the 2018 budget submitted to the joint session of the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari about 2 weeks ago.
Senate President and leader of the National Assembly, Bukola Saraki, made the announcement at the commencement of Tuesday’s legislative business.
He told the lawmakers that the deferment was done so as to enable the Upper Legislative Chamber pass the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), this week.
He also said that the deferment will allow the National Assembly’s bureaucracy distribute copies of the budget proposal to members of the House.
Meanwhile, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yussuf Lasun on Tuesday said that members would commence debate on the general principles of the 2018 Appropriation Bill of N8.6 trillion from Nov. 28.
Lasun, while announcing the date during plenary session, said that the debate would be concluded on Nov. 30.
He added that it would be followed by a public hearing scheduled for Dec. 4.
The Deputy Speaker urged the lawmakers to ensure they get copies of the 2018 budget proposal presented by President Muhammadu Buhari to the joint session of the National Assembly.
“Members are to indicate the date they wish to contribute to the debate as there is need for us to participate actively and that the bill is given expeditious attention,’’ Lasun said.
Credit: Nigerianeye and Punch
