Members of the House of Representatives have commenced debate on the general principles of the N20.51 trillion Appropriation Bill presented to the joint session of the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Leading the debate, the majority leader of the House, Hon Ado Doguwa, commended the Present administration for sustaining hundred percent budget implementation as well as the achievements of the present administration in the areas of security, infrastructure and the economy in general.
He said that despite the fact that it is not good to continue to borrow, Nigeria was still within the limit of international borrowing rates.
Contributing to the debate, a member from Katsina state Sada Soli, expressed optimism that the budget would assist greatly in creating Job opportunities for youths across the country.
Another member from Akwa Ibom state Luke Onofiok, the federal government should have the political will to remove fuel subsidies this year.
Mrs Taiwo Oluga from Osun state stressed the need for the government to put more effort in fighting oil theft in Nigeria causing the country to lose 470 barrels a day, amounting to 700 million dollars monthly.
The spokesman of the House Benjamin Kalu, stated that the nation’s economy is bleeding due to revenue leakages.
For Dr Tanko Sununu from Kebbi state, the budget must give priority to environmental challenges as well as the production sector to boost the nation’s economy and provide job opportunities.
The Deputy chief Whip, Nkireuka Onyejeocha, argued that emphasis should put more on budget tracking to ensure transparency and accountability in government ministries, departments and agencies of government.
The Minority Leader of the House Hon. Ndudi Elumelu, in his submission, called on the government to address the Monday “Sit-At-Home menace in the South Eastern part of Nigeria which is affecting the economy of the region.”
He added that Nigerians are suffering a lot due to inflation.
Other members who contributed, expressed concern over the high personnel cost in the budget as well as heavy borrowing to finance the budget.
On the issue of the Academic Staff Union of Universities crisis, members noted that since there was provision for ASUU in the Appropriation Bill, the issue of strike will soon be a thing of the past.
The House of Representatives however urged the government not to look at the Academic Staff Union of Universities as an enemy of the government but a partner in progress.
After a long and detailed deliberation, the Bill passed second reading and was sent to the Committee on Appropriation.
Hauwa Abu
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