The National Assembly has issued a stern warning, threatening to impose sanctions on Ministers and Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) who fail to actively defend their budgetary allocations.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio made the announcement on Tuesday during the stakeholders’ retreat on the 2024 Appropriation Bill in Abuja.
Akpabio emphasized that both the Senate and the House of Representatives would not tolerate any lackadaisical attitude from government officials in MDAs regarding the defense of allocations in the 2024 budget.
He indicated that such officials may face consequences for their lack of commitment to the budgetary process.
Furthermore, Akpabio assured that the National Assembly would maintain the January-December budget cycle.
He underscored the importance of active participation and commitment from government functionaries during the budget defense process, warning of potential unfavorable consequences for officials or agencies that do not comply.
Addressing the participants at the retreat, Akpabio urged openness, honesty, and factual contributions during the deliberations.
He emphasized the common goal of improving the socio-economic conditions of the people with the “Budget of Renewed Hope.”
This stern warning follows a recent request by Akpabio to President Bola Tinubu, urging restrictions on ministers and officials of MDAs from international travel during the budget defense period.
President Tinubu had presented a budget of N27.5 trillion for the 2024 fiscal year to the National Assembly last Wednesday.
Source: Premium Times