On December 30, the House of Representatives will approve the budget for 2024, according to Speaker Tajudeen Abbas.
Mr. Tajudeen stated at the resumption of plenary on Tuesday that in order to consider and approve the budget, lawmakers will have to return after the Christmas break.
The dates December 25th and 26th are observed as Christmas and Boxing Day festivities in Nigeria. Generally, both days are observed as national holidays.
In order to achieve the deadline of 30 December, Mr. Tajudeen stated that all committees must submit their reports to the appropriations committee by 6 p.m. on Tuesday (today).
"I am pleased to notify you that the budget will be formally introduced and approved on Saturday, December 30, 2023.
“During this time, all other tasks, including bill processing, compilation, and harmonization, will be completed.” “Those who wish to depart for the holiday season are encouraged to return in order to take part,” the speaker instructed.
In November, President Bola Tinubu reportedly presented the N27.5 trillion budget proposal for 2024 to the joint session of the National Assembly.
The House referred the measure to the appropriations committee for additional legislative actions subsequent to its second reading.
Legislators, meanwhile, face a formidable challenge in securing the bill’s passage prior to January 1 in order to adhere to the January-December budget cycle.
Legislative plenary was adjourned by the House until December 12 on December 1, in order to facilitate public proceedings by committees regarding the budget proposal. Until December 19th, the adjournment was extended by one week.