President Bola Tinubu is set to present the 2024 budget to the National Assembly within the next two weeks. Additionally, a supplementary budget for 2023 will be submitted for consideration.
Senator Solomon Adeola, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, assured that despite the delay caused by the change in government, the Senate aims to pass the 2024 budget before December 31, 2024.
Adeola emphasized the committee’s commitment to a thorough examination of the budget, stating that the tradition of a January-December budget cycle would be upheld.
He also dismissed the concept of budget padding, emphasizing the importance of meeting public expectations.
“I want you to take cognizance of the change of government on May 29. There is a teething problem because there is a change of government.
The new administration has a new mantra that encapsulates its vision and there must be challenges,” he said.
Adeola, however, promised that irrespective of the lateness in the submission of the 2024 budget, the Senate would do a thorough job.
“Our job is to verify the budget to meet the expectations of the people. We will look into it thoroughly.
“We are expecting the MTEF next week and immediately we receive the document, the Committee on Finance will go into work and look into it.”
He added, “The Finance Minister and the Minister of Budget and Planning are working round the clock.
“I assure you that we won’t break the tradition, we will have the budget as and when due. We will keep to the tradition of the January-December budget cycle.”