By Milcah Tanimu

Senator Atiku Bagudu, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, has asserted that the National Assembly’s inclusion of new items in the 2024 budget does not contravene any laws.

During a press briefing in Abuja on Thursday, Bagudu clarified that it has been customary since 1999 for the National Assembly to introduce additional line items in appropriation bills to allocate funds for constituency-specific projects, leading to an increase in the approved budget from the president’s initial proposal.

Amidst allegations that the Senate padded N3.7 trillion into the budget, with calls from the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the resignation of Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, Bagudu emphasized that such insertions are within the legal purview of the National Assembly.

Bagudu elaborated that while the president presents a budget bill to the National Assembly, the final approved budget, modified by the assembly, becomes an act. He cited examples of adjustments made by the assembly, including alterations to exchange rates and increased revenue contributions from government-owned enterprises.

Acknowledging the controversy surrounding budget allocations for statutory transfer agencies, Bagudu clarified that these entities, such as the NJC, FCT, and NEDC, have the autonomy to prepare their budgets, supervised by committees, without direct federal government appropriation.

In a related development, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media, defended Akpabio against the PDP’s resignation demands, asserting that Akpabio had not committed any wrongdoing warranting resignation.

Furthermore, Senate Chief Whip, Ali Ndume, admitted that leaders of the 10th Senate received over N200 million each for constituency projects from the 2024 budget. Ndume clarified that as a leader, he and nine others received additional allocations beyond the standard N200 million.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the budget padding allegations, urging transparency and accountability in governance. Atiku condemned the suspension of Senator Abdul Ningi, asserting that it has exacerbated the crisis and demanded clarity on the budgetary discrepancies.

Atiku emphasized the importance of the National Assembly’s role in legislating for the nation’s well-being, urging against collusion with corrupt practices and stressing the need for accountability in government spending to address Nigeria’s economic challenges.