Senate President Urges Sanctions for Inattentive Heads of MDAs for Skipping 2024-2026 Budget Deliberations

The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, has called for the sanctioning of invited heads of government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) who failed to appear for deliberations on the 2024–2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).

Akpabio emphasised that any serious-minded head of an MDA interested in the success of President Bola Tinubu’s administration should be present at the interaction.

Speaking at the opening of the 2024-2026 MTEF/FSP interactive session in Abuja, Akpabio stated that the absence of heads of agencies at the session could signal a lack of seriousness and commitment to the success of the administration.

He urged the Chairman of the lead committee to provide a list of all invited heads of agencies who failed to attend the session.

Akpabio stressed the importance of planning for success and warned that any head of an agency sending representation instead of appearing in person is not a serious person.

He stated that this could impact the success of such individuals in their respective offices, and President Tinubu should reconsider their appointments.

The interactive session focused on the 2024–2026 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper, crucial documents that guide the nation’s financial planning for the upcoming years.

Akpabio highlighted the urgency of the proceedings, emphasising the need to maintain the January-December budget cycle.

He called for honest discussions on the economic challenges facing the nation and stressed the importance of addressing these challenges through reforms, increased revenue generation, and fiscal responsibility.

Akpabio also urged a reduction in budget deficits through efforts to enhance revenue, block leakages, and restrain frivolous expenditures by MDAs.

The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Sani Musa, echoed the importance of scrutinising the MTEF/FSP document to ensure that it aligns with the best interests of Nigerians.

The session aimed to provide a roadmap for the economic and financial course of the nation for the years 2024–2026.

Source: Premium Times