President Bola Tinubu has addressed the allegations of budget padding leveled by some lawmakers regarding the 2024 appropriation act. Speaking at an iftar gathering of senators at the Presidential Villa on Thursday night, the President asserted that those who claimed the budget was padded lacked an understanding of the arithmetic involved in the appropriation process.
On November 29, President Tinubu had presented a proposed budget of N27 trillion for the 2024 fiscal year to the National Assembly. However, on December 30, the legislature passed the appropriation bill, increasing the budget size from the proposed N27.5 trillion to N28.7 trillion.
Earlier this month, Senator Abdul Ningi, representing Bauchi Central, stirred controversy by alleging that the 2024 budget was padded by N3 trillion and that the country was operating two budgets concurrently. This allegation led to a debate in the Senate’s committee of the whole, culminating in Ningi’s suspension for three months due to his failure to provide evidence to support his claims.
Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President, had expressed concerns that the allegation had damaged the integrity of the upper legislative chamber and that many Nigerians might lose trust in the Senate as a result.
Addressing the senators, President Tinubu reassured them that their integrity remained intact. He stated, “I know the arithmetic of the numbers that I brought to the senate and I know what I got back. And I appreciate all of you for the expeditious handling of the budget. Thank you very much.”
The President further explained, “Those who are talking of malicious embellishment in the budget didn’t understand the arithmetic and they didn’t refer to the numbers… the baseline of what I brought. All of your integrity is intact. I am very grateful for what you have been doing.”
Tinubu expressed his gratitude to the National Assembly for their efficient handling of the budget process and assured Nigerians that the challenges and economic hardship faced by the country would soon be over. He stated, “The natural challenge that we face will be over. On the economic challenge, we are about turning the corner.”
The President’s remarks aimed to dispel the allegations of budget padding and restore confidence in the integrity of the legislative process, while also offering assurances of better economic prospects for the nation in the near future.