Gbajabiamila canvasses early 2020 budget, suggests September deadline



Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon Femi Gbajabiamila has told the presidency that the house would be expecting the 2020 budget in September, with a view to having same passed by January 2020.

According to the speaker, the house would be using three weeks to work on the 2021-2023 Medium Term Expenditure Frameworks (MTEF), and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), to pave the way for early presentation of next year’s budget.

He made the call Monday when he received the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, who was on a courtesy visit.

On the plan of the new house, Gbajabiamila disclosed that it would, for the first time since 1999, create a special committee for “ecological problems”, adding that “we would also be visiting the executive with a shopping list, which will help us carry out our duties”.
He said key among its demand would include a world class library for the legislature, to assist members’ research, and independence of the parliament, as well as the need to return the maintenance of the National Assembly’s complex to the FCDA, describing the building being in a state of near-collapse.

“What is sustainable here is zero maintenance”, he said.

Speaking earlier, Mr Mustapha congratulated the speaker on his election. “We are happy for the transparent election that bring you in”, he noted, adding that the executive arm would collaborate with the House ensure that good laws are made for Nigerians

“The executive have plans for Nigerians, but we still the legislative framework for them to be done properly”, he said as he expressed confidence in the speaker’s capabilities.

“We will Parker with the House to ensure that Nigerians do not regret your election”, he submitted.

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