Rep. Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives, has assured Nigerians that the House is working diligently to review the 2024 supplementary budget bill submitted by President Bola Tinubu.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the President’s request is pursuant to Section 58, sub-section two of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended.
Agbese, told newsmen in Abuja on Friday that the House was committed to ensuring that the supplementary budget serves the best interests of Nigerians.
The 2024 supplementary budget, totaling ₦6.2 trillion, aims to fund critical infrastructure projects, education, healthcare access, and public welfare initiatives.
The budget is divided into two main components of ₦3.2 trillion for Renewed Hope infrastructure projects, and other critical infrastructure projects across the country.
NAN reports that ₦3 trillion is to meet further recurrent expenditure requirements necessary for the proper operation of the Federal Government.
He said that the House will scrutinise every bit of the budget to ensure every kobo was well utilised and that the budget is in the best interest of Nigerians.
“We owe it to them to ensure that their resources are utilised efficiently,”he said.
Agbese said that the House would engage with stakeholders, conduct public hearings, and scrutinise the bill to ensure that it serves the best interests of Nigerians.
“We will not compromise on our commitment to transparency and accountability, adding that the House would take the time to get it right.
He said that the House was confident that the end result would be a budget that would benefit all Nigerians.
He further explained that the House would work closely with the Senate to ensure a swift passage of the bill.
“We have a good working relationship with the Senate, and we are confident that we can work together to pass the supplementary budget in a timely manner.
“We will work together to ensure that the budget is passed with the necessary scrutiny and oversight,” he said.
“We are looking at critical infrastructure projects that will impact the lives of Nigerians,“he said.
This, according to him, includes roads, bridges, and healthcare facilities, education and public welfare initiatives that will benefit our constituents.
“We want to ensure that the budget is inclusive and benefits all Nigerians, regardless of their location or socio-economic status.”
He said that the House will not rush the process, but will take time to ensure that the supplementary budget is passed with the necessary scrutiny and oversight.
Agbese acknowledged the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Rep. Abubakar Bichi, for changing the dynamics in the country’s budgetary process.(NAN)
By Femi Ogunshola
