The House of Representatives on Tuesday assured Nigerians of its resolve to ensure the speedy passage of the 2024 Appropriation Bill when presented to Parliament.
Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Abubakar Kabirr Bichi said the House will stand by the already established and cherished precedent of ensuring compliance with the Financial Year Act through budget passage on or before 31st December of each financial year.
According to him, this development will no doubt make the budget implementation from January to December operational and achievable.
Hon. Bichi said the Appropriation Committee is empowered by Order 20, Rule 15 of the House of Representatives Standing Orders, 10th Edition, 2020 as Amended to coordinate, monitor, and supervise the implementation of all Appropriation Acts after passage by the National Assembly.
He said this power will be effectively utilized to exercise oversight jurisdiction over relevant agencies such as the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Federal Ministry of Finance, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, and National Economic Intelligence Agency among others to monitor the budget implementation.
He assured that the Committee’s leadership will initiate a strategic meeting with the Chairmen of Finance, National Planning and Aids, Loans, and Debt Management to gather data that will facilitate the effective function of this Committee of ensuring inclusive budget preparation, appreciable implementation, and effective oversight.
Also, he said committee will ensure the coordinating leadership role to facilitate pre-budget meetings with relevant MDAs, while at the same time ensuring a suitable collaboration especially with it sister committee in the Senate and other relevant Stakeholders to enhance the integrity of the budget process through scrutiny, analysis and public participation in the enactment process.
He said further that the mandate of this Committee requires serious commitment, diligence, and political will.
He said the committee will promote the implementation of the Legislative Agenda to reposition the House towards ensuring peace order and good governance of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
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