Lawan
President
of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan said on Tuesday that only this October is
set aside for all government agencies to defend their 2020 budget
estimates to enable the passage of the document in December.
In
his remarks during the presentation of the 2020 budget by President
Muhammadu Buhari, Lawan said the National Assembly committees are
ready to receive the ministers and other heads of government agencies
for the defence of their budget estimates.
Lawan
said all Ministries, Departments and Agencies(MDAs) are expected to
appear before the Committees for the defence of their Budget
estimates within the month of October in order for timely passage of
the budget.
"We
have earmarked the month of October to be the sole window for all
Budget defense activities in this year, by all MDAs.
"In
this regard, our Committees will be expected to conclude their work
on Budget defense within October, this year.
"The
subsequent necessary legislative work will be carried out in November
and December, leading to eventual passage before the end of this
year," Lawan said.
The
Senate President said the 9th National Assembly has shown capacity,
commitment and willingness to treat legislative matters that will
impact on the lives of the citizens with dispatch and every sense of
urgency.
This,
he said, was clearly demonstrated last week, when the Assembly
received, processed and passed the request of Mr. President on the
2020-2022 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper
(MTEF/FSP).
Lawan
gave assurance that the National Assembly will treat the 2020 Budget
Estimates with the same commitment or even more.
"In
our effort to pass the Budget, we will also be guided by the
legislative requirement of a thorough scrutiny," Lawan said.
Lawan
however warned that the budget estimates "will remain what they
are, estimates, until we are able to generate and receive the
necessary revenues to fund and foot the bills.
"It
is imperative therefore, that our revenue generating agencies be more
alive to their responsibilities, more innovative and focused on how
to meet their revenue targets."
Lawan
said the National Assembly will continue to review how the revenue
generation, collection and remittance would be more effective and
efficient.
Against
this backdrop, Lawan said there is need to review the laws
establishing the agencies responsible with a view to enhancing their
capacity and capability.,
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