Speaker restates commitment to January-December Budget Cycle

Lawan Hamidu, Abuja

The Nigerian House of Representatives has reiterated its commitment to the January-December Budget Cycle for the interest and overall development of the Nation.

Speaker of the House, Mr. Femi Gbajabiamila made the pledge while addressing the lawmakers on resumption of plenary after one month break to allow the government’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies to defend their 2021 budget proposal before various House Committees.

Mr. Gbajabiamila who mandated all standing committees of the House to unfailingly submit their budget defence reports to the Committee on Appropriation on or before Thursday for the House to meet up with the deadline sets for itself.

“Efforts are in full swing to ensure that we will pass the budget on time in keeping with the standard we set last year, and which the Nigerian people now rightly expect of us.

I have observed during the recent budget defence process that there are still some ministries, departments and agencies that consider the exercise of the legislative authority to review their budget proposals as an undue incursion on the management of their offices. This posture stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of the legislative role in the appropriations process.

Let me at this time reiterate that when the Committees of the House of Representatives and the Senate convene to review the heads of expenditure contained in the Appropriation Bill, we do so in the exercise of clear and concise constitutional authority. Let me also state very clearly that this is a responsibility we take seriously, and will not evade, regardless of whatever objections may arise from any quarters.  

It is in the best interests of our country that all parties concerned subject themselves to this process in good faith, knowing that this too is an obligation of service to our country. We will pass the budget, and we will do it early, and we will do it right. The Nigerian people expect as much from us. I thank all of you for the work you have put in thus far, and I encourage you to continue in this regard.” Mr. Gbajabiamila explained.

The Speaker who revealed that the Special Committee on the Review of the Constitution has been inaugurated, and have resumed their essential work while amendment to electoral act 2010 has also commenced to ensure credible polls in the country.

He said “The Committee has put out a request for memoranda and other submissions that will guide their work. It is through the aggregation of the many and varied opinions of all Nigerians that we will arrive at a constitution that meets all the best expectations we have for our country.

In the same vein, the House has commenced long-anticipated efforts to review and amend the Electoral Act well in advance of the next general elections. Perfecting the process through which we choose the people that will serve in government is an essential requirement for the continued development of our democracy.

Therefore, I encourage all of you to reach out to your various constituencies and encourage your constituents to participate in both the Constitutional Review and Electoral Amendment processes by articulating and submitting the changes they wish to see. This too is part of the joint task of nation-building.”

On the Petroleum Industry Bill, PIB and the institutionalization of the National Social Investment Program being considered by the House, Mr, Gbajabiamila urged all the relevant committees to increase public participation in the legislative process to build support for the policy initiatives and promote relations between the House of Representatives and the public.

“As much as is possible, I encourage all the Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of the House Committees to seek out innovative avenues for public engagement, stakeholder collaboration and cross-pollination of policy ideas in the legislative process which is also part of our Legislative Agenda.” The Speaker argued.

Nnenna.O