In a crucial development on Thursday, the Nigerian Senate, during an emergency plenary session, approved an extension to the implementation period of the 2023 federal budget. This move affects the capital projects component of the N21.83 trillion 2023 budget and the N2.17 trillion supplementary budget. Initially set to expire on June 30, 2024, the implementation period for these budgets has now been extended to December 31, 2024.
The extension was a topic of debate and discussion in the Senate, with lawmakers making their positions known. However, it was Senate President Godswill Akpabio who used the occasion to clarify and restate his position on a different matter that had been making headlines—the issue surrounding the alleged approval of a new presidential aircraft. This matter had been circulating on social media, causing confusion and concern.
In a pointed statement, Akpabio addressed the claims that he had said the Senate would approve the purchase of a new presidential plane, regardless of the suffering of the Nigerian people. According to the Senate President, such statements were completely false, and he strongly denied ever making any such comments.
“Senate Leader, it’s not good for us to run the Senate by responding to every rumor circulating on social media, because social media can often spread misinformation,” Akpabio remarked. He explained that the rumors had surfaced while he was in Zanzibar attending a meeting of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and that at no point had he made any public statement regarding the approval of a new plane for the president.
He continued: “There was never a time when I said that we would approve a brand-new plane for the president, no matter the economic situation of the country. I’ve never had any discussions about approving or not approving the purchase of an aircraft, and I did not want to respond to the misinformation. But they continued to spread the false story, implying that I was indifferent to the welfare of Nigerians. That is not true.”
Akpabio emphasized the Senate’s commitment to the Nigerian people, stating that while they would approve measures that benefit the country and improve the living standards of the citizens, they would also consider the needs of the president in carrying out his duties. He acknowledged that if the president’s official vehicle or aircraft was in disrepair, it would be necessary to allocate funds for repairs or, in some cases, the purchase of a new one.
“We care about the president. We care about the Nigerian people. If the president’s vehicle is damaged, we will repair it. If his plane is in bad condition, we will approve funds to repair it or purchase a new one if necessary. But everything we do will be in the interest of the Nigerian people,” he said.
In addition to Akpabio’s comments, the House of Representatives also approved the extension of the capital component of the 2023 budget, but not without some initial opposition from certain lawmakers. The bill, which was read for the first and second time, was introduced after Speaker Tajudeen Abbas presented a letter from President Bola Tinubu requesting the extension. The letter was brought forward by the House Leader, Julius Ihonvbere.
However, the proposal was met with some resistance. Minority Leader Kingsley Chinda was one of the lawmakers who voiced strong objections. Chinda argued that extending the implementation period of the 2023 budget for capital projects could have a negative impact on the people. He pointed out that if multiple budgets were running at the same time, it could create confusion and inefficiencies.
Chinda further suggested that rather than extending the current budget, projects that were not completed in the 2023 fiscal year could be transferred to the 2024 supplementary budget. This would streamline the process and avoid complications.
Alhassan Ado Doguwa, another lawmaker, agreed with Chinda’s concerns. He pointed out that extending the 2023 budget, particularly at a time when the government was facing challenges, indicated that the administration was not doing enough to address key issues in a timely manner. He called for unity in the House, urging that lawmakers should come together to address the pressing needs of the country.
The debate over the budget extension was an important moment in the House of Representatives, highlighting the differing opinions on how to handle the country’s finances and ensure that capital projects are completed on time.
Despite the concerns raised, the extension was ultimately approved, though the debate showed the tension that exists over how the government manages its budget and the execution of capital projects. It also highlighted the ongoing scrutiny of the government’s spending decisions, particularly at a time when many Nigerians are facing economic difficulties.
This latest development comes at a critical time for Nigeria, with the country grappling with several challenges, including an economic downturn, inflation, and widespread poverty. The approval of the budget extension is seen as a way to ensure that ongoing projects are completed and that the government continues to function smoothly throughout the year.
As the Senate and House of Representatives work to finalize the 2023 budget and its supplementary extension, it remains to be seen how these decisions will impact the Nigerian people. Many citizens are hopeful that the government will focus on improving infrastructure, healthcare, and education, which are key areas that need urgent attention.
The extension of the 2023 budget’s capital projects implementation period is a significant development, as it reflects the government’s efforts to continue its work on key infrastructure projects. However, the ongoing debates and concerns raised by lawmakers underscore the challenges the government faces in balancing its priorities with the needs of the Nigerian people. With continued scrutiny and differing views in both the Senate and House of Representatives, the government will need to carefully navigate these issues to ensure that the country’s resources are used effectively and in the best interest of all Nigerians.
