JUST IN: Senate Approves Tinubu’s Request, Passes 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bill

The Nigerian Senate has passed the 2023 supplementary appropriation bill, extending its implementation to December 31, 2024.

The passage of the bill, sponsored by Senate Leader Michael Bamidele Opeyemi, allows for the implementation of the 2023 supplementary budget to run concurrently with the 2024 budget, which stands at N28.78 trillion.

The emergency plenary session was presided over by Senate President Godswill Obot Akpabio.

Akpabio believes the extension will enable the executive to complete all abandoned projects, ensuring their timely completion.

President Bola Tinubu had sought the approval of the Senate for the extension of the 2023 capital component of the Appropriation Act and the Supplementary Appropriation Act until December 31.

The controversy surrounds the N21.8 trillion budget inherited from former President Muhammadu Buhari, which suffered during the transition period.

It is understood that many projects in the 2023 budget were not funded, and the new administration is seeking to revive them.