Legislature
2023 Budget: NASS hints on possible extension of capital component implementation
**To hold emergency sessions on Thursday
**Says its opportunity to consider wide range of issues
As the National Assembly cut short its sallah break in its effort to gain more legislative days, the Senate and the House of Representatives have slated Thursday this week for emergency sessions.
The haste to resume as gathered is solely to give them room to extend the implemention period for the capital component of N21.83trillion 2023 budget and those of the N2.17trillion 2023 supplementary budget.
The lawmakers had extended the implementation period of capital component of the budget for the fiscal year from December 31, 2023 to March 31, 2024 along with the N2.17trillion 2023 Supplementary budget, they passed in November, 2023 .
On the strength of requests made by President Bola Tinubu to both Chambers had on 19th and 20th March, 2024 respectively further extended the implementation period for the budgetary appropriations from March 31, 2024 to June 30, 2024
With four days to 30th June 2024, fixed as end of implementation period for the affected 2023 budgetary appropriations, the two chambers have fixed Thursday this week for separate sessions, where further extensions would be made ahead of their earlier resumption date , fixed for July 2, 2024.
Confirming the emergency session through telephone conversations with journalists on Wednesday, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Senator Yemi Adaramodu (APC Ekiti South), said the session would be majorly on budgetary appropriation.
When asked whether extension of implementation period for capital component of 2023 budget was in the offing, he indicated that varied issues requiring urgent legislative attention, would be deliberated upon.
“The Senate shall be dwelling on wide range of issues at its plenary on Thursday , particularly those on budgetary appropriations vis – a – vis legislative compliance.
“Bills on 2024 Supplementary Appropriation and New National Minimum Wage are out of it, since they are yet to be forwarded for consideration and passage by President Bola Tinubu.” he said .
He added that the hastily convened session for Thursday is in line with Senate’a constitutional power to regulate its sessions which according to him, would make it deal with national and constitutional issues earlier than hitherto scheduled .
Some other Senators contacted, hinted that, requests for further extension of implementation period for the capital component of the N21.83tr 2023 budget and N2.17tr supplementary budget for the fiscal year may have been forwarded by President Tinubu to both chambers of the National Assembly
Legislature
President Tinubu urges Senate to approve ₦1.767trn External Loan
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has formally requested the National Assembly’s approval for a $2.209 billion (₦1.767 trillion) external borrowing plan to finance part of the ₦9.17 trillion fiscal deficit in the 2024 budget. The loan, included in the 2024 Appropriation Act, is critical to the government’s broader strategy for economic recovery and growth.
In a letter to Senate President Godswill Akpabio, President Tinubu noted that the borrowing aligns with the provisions of Sections 21(1) and 27(1) of the Debt Management Office (DMO) Establishment Act, 2003. He also indicated that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) had approved the plan.
The President explained that the funds would be sourced through Eurobonds or similar external financial instruments. A detailed summary of the loan’s terms and conditions accompanied the letter to guide legislative scrutiny.
“This borrowing is necessary to address the budget deficit and fulfill our fiscal strategy for 2024. Swift approval will enable us to move forward with mobilizing these funds,” the President stated, emphasizing the urgency of the request.
Senate President Akpabio referred the matter to the Committee on Local and Foreign Deb
Legislature
Senator Natasha Transforms Kogi Central Schools with 5,000 Digital Learning Devices
By Isah Bala
Access to quality education is a cornerstone of societal progress, and Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan is embodying this vision by bringing transformative educational tools to Kogi Central. In a groundbreaking initiative, the senator recently provided 5,000 digital learning devices to public primary and secondary schools in her district, aiming to bridge the digital divide and set a new educational standard.
The devices, unveiled at Abdul Aziz Attah Memorial College (AAAMCO), are preloaded with the Nigerian curriculum from UBEC and internationally acclaimed educational resources, including Khan Academy and Discovery Kids. Through this initiative, students will experience interactive learning, enabling them to explore subjects in depth, enhance digital literacy, and engage with complex topics in a hands-on way.
This project is just the beginning of Senator Natasha’s ambitious plan to make “smart schools” the norm in Kogi Central. She envisions a future where every child in her district has equal access to digital learning, stating, “My dream is to equip all public primary and secondary schools in Kogi Central with digital learning devices before the end of my tenure in 2027.”
Beyond device distribution, the senator’s initiative includes UBEC-led teacher training to ensure educators are equipped to integrate these tools into their classrooms effectively.
With this dual approach of student and teacher empowerment, Senator Natasha is laying a foundation that will support digital literacy and skill development for years to come.
Senator Natasha’s commitment to educational advancement represents a significant step forward for Kogi Central, ensuring that young students have access to the tools they need to succeed in an increasingly digital world. This initiative marks her dedication to the constituency that entrusted her with this mandate.
Legislature
Newly Appointed Ministers Thank Senator Basheer Lado for Supportive Screening Process
Seven newly appointed ministers-designate have expressed their deep appreciation to Senator Basheer Lado, the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Senate Matters, for his instrumental role in ensuring a smooth Senate screening and confirmation process.
During a visit to Lado’s office, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the designated Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, spoke on behalf of her colleagues. She praised Lado’s guidance and support throughout the process, noting his efforts to make them comfortable at every stage.
“We can’t thank you enough for navigating us through this process and making everything feel manageable,” Odumegwu-Ojukwu remarked. She shared her initial anxiety, explaining how Lado’s personal touch—regular communication, detailed explanations, and readiness to help at any hour—helped them feel reassured and prepared.
The six other ministers-designate, who joined her in expressing gratitude, include Dr. Nentawe Yilwatda (Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Reduction), Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi (Labour and Employment), Dr. Jumoke Oduwole (Industry, Trade, and Development), Idi Muktar Maiha (Livestock Development), Rt. Hon. Yusuf Abdullahi Ata (Housing and Urban Development), and Dr. Suwaiba Said Ahmad (Minister of State for Education). Each expressed their thanks for Lado’s dedication to their success.
Odumegwu-Ojukwu conveyed the group’s appreciation, emphasizing Lado’s patience and availability: “Your commitment, your guidance, and even the late hours you kept to assist us—these made a significant impact on each of us. We are truly grateful for your support.”
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