Despite public outcry against certain provisions, President Bola Tinubu, today, signed the N2.176 trillion Supplementary Appropriation Act, to strengthen Nigeria’s security architecture and address Nigeria’s critical infrastructure deficit, amongst other considerations.
A statement from his media aide, Ajuri Ngelale, said the President signed the Supplementary Appropriation Act, 2023, in his office at the State House, Abuja, in the presence of Senate President Godswill Akpabio; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas.
Others present were the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume; Majority Leader of the Senate, Opeyemi Bamidele; the Chairmen of the Appropriation Committees in the Senate, Olamilekan Adeola, and the House of Representatives, Abubakar Bichi, as well as the Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Zacch Adedeji.
Providing a breakdown of the supplementary budget, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Bagudu, said the newly approved expenditure for defence and security consists of about 30 per cent, while 35 per cent is dedicated to the provision of critical infrastructure to be allocated to the Federal Ministries of Works, the Federal Capital Territory, and Housing & Urban Development.
The Minister further explained that 32 per cent of the Supplementary Budget was allocated to the new Wage Award for treasury-paid federal workers to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy, in addition to cash transfers to vulnerable persons.
It is also meant to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), amongst other considerations.
President Tinubu was said to have commended the National Assembly for its expeditious consideration and approval, assuring Nigerians that the executive arm of government would ensure the judicious use of the budgeted resources.
…32 per cent of the Supplementary Budget was allocated to the new Wage Award for treasury-paid federal workers to cushion the effect of the removal of fuel subsidy, in addition to cash transfers to vulnerable persons.
