The Nigerian government has disputed the claim made by the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, that the 2023 supplementary budget signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday, November 8, 2023, is insensitive and uncaring to the plight of the masses.
Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, issued an official statement on Thursday in which he defended the supplementary budget as a bold and pragmatic response to the pressing economic challenges Nigeria currently faces.
The minister urged the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate to learn more about the supplementary budget for 2023. The budget, he said, will fund important areas like security, agriculture and food security, housing, wage increases for workers, student loans, and social safety nets, among others, all aimed at making life better for Nigerians.
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, @HMMohammedIdris, defends the 2023 supplementary budget signed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, emphasizing its proactive response to Nigeria’s economic challenges.
The Minister encourages the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential… pic.twitter.com/aT4rbwvvdY
— Voice of Nigeria (@voiceofnigeria) November 9, 2023
“The broad provisions in the supplementary budget are a reflection of President Tinubu’s strong desire and eagerness to support the vital functions of government, address urgent security needs, and fast-track the country’s recovery process from the economic impact occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy,” the minister said.
Nigerian President Bola Tinubu’s first supplementary budget, which seeks additional funding beyond the annual budget approved by his predecessor, is expected to boost the recovery of the economy from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, which caused a recession in 2022.
Minister Idris asked the political opposition to be fair and honest when they disagree, adding they should avoid twisting the truth for their selfish benefit.
He also said the supplementary budget came from consultations with relevant stakeholders, who ensured that the budgetary provisions aligned with the needs and expectations of Nigerians.
Dominica Nwabufo
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