The House of Representatives on Thursday considered and passed two money bills extending the implementation of the 2023 Appropriation Act and the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Act until December 2024.
Core Reporters report that the executive arm of government presented the two bills via a letter transmitted from the President, H.E. Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, which was read on the floor of the House by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD. The bills are titled, “the 2023 Appropriation Amendment Bill, 2024, and the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Amendment Bill, 2024.”
Following its first reading, House Minority Leader, Rep. Kingsley Chinda (PDP, Rivers) during the debate on the general principles of the bill, expressed reservations about the propriety of accelerating the passage of these bills. Noting that it might not be in the best interest of the country, Rep. Chinda suggested that the provisions of the bills should be harmonised and included in the anticipated Supplementary Appropriation Act 2024.
The Minority Leader’s concerns and position sparked a robust discussion among members, and was supported by Rep. Alhassan Ado Doguwa (APC, Kano) who, however, urged the House to pass the bills in the best interest of the country’s security and economy.
In response, the House resolved to enter an executive session to deliberate further on the matter. The session saw extensive discussions, with members from both sides of the aisle contributing their perspectives and suggestions.
Following these deliberations, the House, in its collective wisdom, dissolved into the Committee of Supply to debate the various clauses in the money bills, all of which were carried. Subsequently, the House reverted to plenary where the bills were read for the third time.
A statement by the House Spokesman, Akin Rotimi jnr said the extension of the implementation timeline for the 2023 budget till December 31, 2024 was a decision made with the nation’s best interests in mind, particularly focusing on national security and economic stability.
The statement further noted that the passage of the money bills followed diligent legislative action and met all legislative requirements.
“The 10th House of Representatives has continued to stand out as the most diverse Assembly since the inception of the 4th Republic, with representation from eight political parties and approximately 75% new members.
“This vibrancy has led to commendations for the quality of debates and resolutions, highlighting the legislature’s independence while maintaining a co-operative relationship with the executive branch.
“It is also to the credit of the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, PhD, that the House is inclusive of all shades of opinion while building consensus on sensitive matters.”
