BudgIT Foundation Nigeria, a Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) says it is pertinent for the National Assembly to guard against padding of the 2023 budget in view of the current economic reality.
Mr Gabriel Okeowo, the Country Director of the foundation, said this in a telephone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, in Abuja.
He said increasing the size of the 2023 budget proposal above the N20.5 trillion presented by President Muhammadu Buhari would weigh so much on the economy.
According to him, the economy is already battling inflation, high-interest rate among other economic challenges and should not be further burdened with a budget that will prompt more borrowing.
“The National Assembly should make sure that they streamline the 2023 budget proposal to make it as implementable as possible.
“From what we have seen over the years, no matter the size of the budget proposal presented to the national assembly, when it is coming out, there would be insertions that would blow it up.
“For instance, the President while assenting to the 2022 budget, said the National Assembly inserted several new projects.
“So, we have to start now to let the lawmakers know we are following up on the ongoing budget defence by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs),” he said.
He said the legislature should be able to stand its ground to ensure that it cuts down on frivolous items presented by MDAs.
He said if it would be difficult to reduce borrowing to fund the budget, the National Assembly should then be stringent on items that would form it.
He, however, said if the National Assembly refused to take to advice to streamline the budget proposal, the executive should reject it.
“On the side of the executive, it also needs to sit up because democracy is a system that checkmates itself.
“If the National Assembly ends up not doing what it is supposed to do, the Executive should be able to stand its grounds to return the budget for amendment.
“We should not for the sake of wanting to sign the budget into law by December, to keep to January-December Calender, mess up the credibility of the budget itself,” he said. (NAN)
Lagos Fire Recovers One at Adeola Odeku Incident
The Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service had recovered a male adult from a Fire incident at Plot 1114, Adeola Odeku Str, by Eletu Ogabi Close, Opposite Keystone Bank Victoria Island.
The incident which was reported at 10:03 hours has Oba Oniru Fire Station responding to douse the ensuing Fire from an industrial generator which was being fixed before reportedly going on flame.
The generator which was housed within the premises of a commercial bank, also affected an adjoining Toyota Saloon Car belonging to the Rapid Response Squad of the Lagos Command of the Nigerian Police stationed outside the premises.
Unfortunately, a male adult was recovered severly burnt beyond recognition and handed over to the Police from Bar-Beach Division while the four storey commercial building was saved and the RRS Policemen escaped unhurt.
Further report will be given as the investigation into the cause of incident is completed.
