Rep: We’ll scrutinise Tinubu’s request to increase 2024 budget by N6.2trn

Philip Agbese, deputy spokesperson of the house of representatives, says the green chamber will “scrutinise” President Bola Tinubu‘s request to increase the 2024 appropriation Act by N6.2 trillion.

Tinubu had asked the national assembly to raise the 2024 budget, saying N3.2 trillion will be for infrastructure projects, while N3 trillion will be used for recurrent expenditure.

The president’s request was read on the floors of the senate and house of representatives by Senate President Godswill Akpabio and Tajudeen Abbas, speaker of the lower legislative chamber, on Wednesday.

Both chambers passed the bill for second readings and referred it to the committees on appropriation for further legislative action.

Tinubu’s request will increase the 2024 budget to N34.9 trillion — from an initial N28.7 trillion signed into law on January 1.

In December, the national assembly passed the 2024 appropriation bill, increasing its size from N27.5 trillion to N28.7 trillion.

Speaking with journalists on Friday in Abuja, Agbese said lawmakers will thoroughly review the president’s request to ensure it benefits Nigerians.

“We will scrutinise every bit of the budget proposal to ensure that ultimately each kobo is well utilised and that the budget is in the best interest of our constituents. We owe it to them to ensure that their resources are utilised efficiently,” Agbese said.

“We will not compromise on our commitment to transparency and accountability. We will take the time to get it right and we are confident that the end result will be a budget that benefits all Nigerians.

“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.

“We are looking at critical infrastructure projects that will impact the lives of Nigerians, such as roads, bridges, and healthcare facilities. We are also looking at 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.

“We will not compromise on our commitment to transparency and accountability. We will take the time to get it right, and we are confident that the end result will be a budget that benefits all Nigerians.”

The lawmaker said Abubakar Bichi, chair of the house committee on appropriation, is “working diligently to scrutinise the budget proposal”, adding that the process would be “thorough and transparent”.