In line with the National Assembly’s resolve to ensure Nigeria’s return to the January to December annual budget cycle, President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan said on Tuesday that only this October is set aside for all government agencies to defend their 2020 budget estimates.
This, he noted, will treat the budget estimate with the need commitment, to ensure speedy passage of the Appropriation Bill presented by President Muhammadu Buhari in December.
Speaking during the presentation of the 2020 budget, Lawan said the National Assembly committees are ready to receive the ministers and other heads of government agencies for the defence of their budget estimates.
He, however, noted that in its effort to pass the Budget, the National Assembly “will also be guided by the legislative requirement of thorough scrutiny.”
Lawan said all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies(MDAs) are expected to appear before the Committees for the defence of their Budget estimates within the month of October in order for the timely passage of the budget.
“We have earmarked the month of October to be the sole window for all Budget defense activities in this year, by all MDAs.
“In this regard, our Committees will be expected to conclude their work on Budget defense within October, this year.
“The subsequent necessary legislative work will be carried out in November and December, leading to eventual passage before the end of this year,” Lawan said.
The Senate President said the 9th National Assembly has shown capacity, commitment and willingness to treat legislative matters that will impact the lives of the citizens with dispatch and every sense of urgency.
This, he said, was clearly demonstrated last week, when the Assembly received, processed and passed the request of Mr. President on the 2020-2022 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF/FSP).
Lawan, however, warned that the budget estimates “will remain what they are, estimates, until we are able to generate and receive the necessary revenues to fund and foot the bills.
“It is imperative, therefore, that our revenue-generating agencies be more alive to their responsibilities, more innovative and focused on how to meet their revenue targets.”
Lawan said the National Assembly will continue to review how the revenue generation, collection, and remittance would be more effective and efficient.
Against this backdrop, Lawan said there is a need to review the laws establishing the agencies responsible with a view to enhancing their capacity and capability.