Senate President Godswill Akpabio has told President Bola Tinubu not to allow his cabinet members travel when they are expected to defend the 2024 budget at the National Assembly.

He said this when the president presented N27.5trn budget proposal before a joint session of the National Assembly, on Wednesday.

Tinubu had appealed to the lawmakers to pass the budget within 30 days.

Responding, the senate president said the lawmakers will, on Thursday and Friday, consider the 2024 budget for first and second readings and then adjourn plenary till December 12 for budget defence with MDAs.

He assured President Tinubu that the budget proposals will be diligently considered accordingly.

He therefore urged ministers and the heads of government agencies to shun travelling engagements during the budget scrutiny.

Akpabio said, “We assure you that the proposals you have come to present will be diligently considered accordingly.

“We approach this moment with a sense of duty, unity, and purpose. To ensure maximum attention to the review of the Year 2023 Budget performance and the consideration of the Year 2024 Budget Proposal, we request that Mr President would mandate Honorable Ministers and Heads of Agencies to avoid any travelling engagements that would prevent them from honoring our invitation to promptly appear before our committees to defend their budget estimates.

“As we embark on the journey of reviewing the 2024 budget, let us remember that our actions today will shape the future of our nation. Together, let us work towards a budget that reflects the aspirations and dreams of every Nigerian citizen for a greater country.” (Daily Trust)

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