In an unusual move, the National Assembly is set to convene a special Saturday session on December 30, 2023, to pass the 2024 Appropriation Bill. The decision was announced by the Clerk to the Senate, Chinedu Akubueze, and the Clerk to the House of Representatives, Dr. Yahaya Danzaria.
The harmonized 2024 budget will be passed at separate sittings of the Red and Green chambers at 1 pm, as indicated in the statements released by both clerks. The Senate leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, emphasized the commitment of federal lawmakers to expedite the passage of the budget, requiring them to cut short their holidays.
Bamidele assured Nigerians that the National Assembly had taken measures to streamline the budget defense process by having all ministries, departments, and agencies appear before joint sittings of relevant committees. This adjustment aimed to save time and eliminate the need for subsequent harmonization, ensuring a more efficient budget passage.
The Senate leader highlighted the extended working hours and additional sessions, including Saturdays, to meet the deadline for passing the 2024 appropriation bill. He expressed optimism about passing the budget on December 30, allowing President Muhammadu Buhari to receive the bill on January 1, 2024, for prompt assent.
This special session underscores the National Assembly’s dedication to advancing legislative processes and ensuring the timely implementation of the national budget in the coming fiscal year.