Senate Threatens FCT With Zero Budget Allocation Over Delayed Presentation
Nancy Okafor
Oct 13, 2022
Senate Threatens FCT With Zero Budget Allocation Over Delayed Presentation
Following the late submission of the N607.962billion 2022 budget by the Federal Capital Territory, FCT, the Senate has ordered the authorities to make available the 2023 budget proposals latest by next week or risk zero allocation for the fiscal year.
READ ALSO: US Govt Reviews Ban On Visas For Nigerians |SEE LATEST DECISIONS
The late submission of the 2022 budget in October this year caused anger on the floor of the upper legislative chamber on Wednesday after presentation for second reading by the Leader, Senator Ibrahim Gobir (APC Sokoto East).
READ ALSO: Pastra Arinze Etie Explains How Governor Otti is Ending Revenue Leakages in Abia State
https://youtu.be/qZNQdurfWlc
READ ALSO: Bourdex Speaks Out: "Ogah Has Done in Two Years What Others Couldn't Do in SixÔÇØ
Leading the protest was Senator James Manager (PDP Delta South), who repeatedly reminded his colleagues that 2022 which the budgetary proposals were meant for, is less than three months to roll away and subtly called for its rejection.
READ ALSO: Hope Uzodinma Reveals What Buhari Needs To Do Before Signing Electoral Bill | DETAILS
He said: "Mr. President, if I heard the Senate Leader right, the N607billion appropriation bill, presented for second reading, is for FCT and to be implemented in 2022 fiscal year which is less than three months to roll away.
READ ALSO: Two Arrested in Yobe Over Alleged DefiIement of Minor
"To me,, this is very unfortunate and must be stopped.
"What are the people saddled with drafting of the proposals doing since January? Are they aware that we are already in the 10th month of the year?, he queried.
READ ALSO: Anambra Governor Soludo Declares War on Noise Pollution, Bans Public Preaching |WATCH VIDEO
In preventing rejection of the proposals, the Senator representing FCT, Philip Aduda hurriedly rose to tender apology on behalf of FCT Minister, Muhammad Musa Bello, for late submission of the 2022 budget proposals.
READ ALSO: Nigeria's Economy Set to Grow 4.7% in 2026 - Edun Projects Job-Rich, Investment-Led Growth
Aduda in his intervention said: "Mr. President, it is very unfortunate that the 2022 FCT budget is submitted for consideration in October but I seek the indulgence of this Senate to consider it by passing it for second reading as moved by the leader."
READ ALSO: 7 Online Money Traps Young Nigerians Are Falling Into
But the Senate President in his remarks said submitting the 2022 budget proposals in October is not only unfortunate, but unacceptable.
READ ALSO: #ENDSARS Protesters Make 3 Demands From Government To End Campaign - [Photos]
He directed the chairman, Senate Committee on FCT, Smart Adeyemi (APC Kogi West), to liaise with FCT Minister on the unfailing submission of 2023 budget next week.
READ ALSO: Bring Back Cashless Policy, Naira Will Increase Value - Yul Edochie Begs Tinubu
"What the FCT did on its 2022 budget submission in the month of October is not only unfortunate but unacceptable.
READ ALSO: How CBN's New Policy Will Force Banks To Instantly Refund Failed ATM Transactions
"Honestly speaking, this should not be accepted by us but for the interest of innocent residents of FCT, it will be considered.
READ ALSO: US Govt Reviews Ban On Visas For Nigerians |SEE LATEST DECISIONS
"However, similar action from FCT will not be accepted as far as late budget submission is considered.
READ ALSO: Pastra Arinze Etie Explains How Governor Otti is Ending Revenue Leakages in Abia State
"Infact, as a warning in that direction, FCT should unfailingly submit for consideration, its proposed budget for 2023 next week or keep to itself.
READ ALSO: Bourdex Speaks Out: "Ogah Has Done in Two Years What Others Couldn't Do in SixÔÇØ
"This Senate will no longer consider this type of approval seeking submissions in in the 10th month of the year the budget proposals are meant for," he said.
READ ALSO: Hope Uzodinma Reveals What Buhari Needs To Do Before Signing Electoral Bill | DETAILS
Breakdown of the N607. 962billion 2022 FCT budget grudgingly passed for second reading by the Senate are N76.569billion for personnel cost, N138.199billion for overhead and N393.192billion for capital projects..
Related Stories
Nigeria's Economy Set to Grow 4.7% in 2026 - Edun Projects Job-Rich, Investment-Led Growth
Pastra Arinze Etie Explains How Governor Otti is Ending Revenue Leakages in Abia State
How Trump's Threat Triggered N2.8 Trillion Stock Market Crash In Nigeria - Investors Panic As Confidence Plummets
How CBN's New Policy Will Force Banks To Instantly Refund Failed ATM Transactions
Bring Back Cashless Policy, Naira Will Increase Value - Yul Edochie Begs Tinubu
7 Online Money Traps Young Nigerians Are Falling Into
""
— Nancy Okafor