SAN FRANCISCO, May 27, (THEWILL) – President Muhammadu Buhari has stated that the adjustment of the 2019 budget by the National Assembly might hinder its smooth implementation.
Speaking on Monday as he signed the 2019 appropriation bill of N8.92trn into law, Buhari said the addition of about N90bn to the N8.83trn he submitted to the legislature would make it difficult for government to realise its set objectives.
He, however, stated that the executive arm of government would hold a dialogue with the forthcoming Ninth National Assembly so as to make life better for the generality of Nigerians.
“Of course, some of these changes will adversely impact our programmes, making it difficult for us to achieve the objectives of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan,” he said.
“Although I will be signing this bill, it is my intention to engage the National Assembly to ensure we deliver on our promises.
“I will, therefore, be engaging with the leadership of the Ninth National Assembly as soon as they emerge, to address some of our concerns with the budget.”
According to the President, his administration will look at how to improve the budget process in order to speed up its consideration as well as return the country to the January to December fiscal year timetable.
He appreciated the Ministers of Budget and National Planning, Finance, the budget office of the federation and all other stakeholders that played key roles in producing the document.
President Buhari also lauded the leadership and members of the National Assembly for the efforts they put in passing the 2019 appropriation bill.
