Reps Debate N13.08trn Budget, Check For Foreign Trips

The House of Representatives has opened discussions on the 2021 Appropriation Bill of N1.08 trillion expenditure at the House of Representatives plenary.

Issues surrounding the funds proposed for Debt Service, Capital and Recurrent expenditure were the focus when the debate began.

The House Leader, Alhassan Ado Doguwa moved a motion for the Bill titled: ‘A Bill for an Act to authorise the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation the total sum of N13.082 trillion’

President Muhammadu Buhari presented the N13.08 trillion 2021 budget estimates to a joint sitting of the National Assembly last Thursday.

Members of the House made various contributions and observations on the various provisions of the budget.

The Majority Leader, Alhassan Ado-Doguwa who presented the bill also commended the executive for a job well-done.

Speaking, Rep. Abubakar Yunusa (APC,Gombe) said the provisions in the budget are commendable, but: “As a parliament we have to scrutinize the budget.

“We should try to look into international travelling. Such traveling should be invested in our capital projects.

“We have to look at the overhead of MDAs in order to cut their international travel.”

Rep. Umana Umana (PDP, Akwa Ibom) said that infrastructure funding across the country should be increased in the budget. “We have to pay absolute attention to the issue of the second Niger Bridge.”

Rep. Yusuf Gagdi (APC, Plateau) said, “With VAT increased, the revenue generated should increase. In terms of revenue, the budget is not balanced.”

Rep. Thomas Ereyitomi (PDP, Delta) said, “Our capital expenditure needs a review. We don’t have to always tie our source of revenue to oil.”

Rep. Abdulrazak Namdaz (APC, Adamawa) said, although the allocation for Debt Service is huge, it was an obligation that must be fulfilled to increase confidence on the part of the creditors.