Senate steps down N98.5bn FCT supplementary budget

The Nigerian Senate has stepped down the N98.5 billion Federal Capital Territory (FCT) supplementary appropriation Bill, 2024 , citing lack of details on the sourcing and allocation of the funds.

The bill, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, was introduced during a plenary session for consideration and a second reading on Wednesday.

Bamidele argued that the budget was essential to complete ongoing infrastructural projects in the FCT. However, he failed to provide a specific breakdown of the fund’s use.

During the debate, Osita Isunazo, the lawmaker representing Imo West, acknowledged the progress of ongoing projects in the FCT but emphasized the need for more detailed information.

Similar Sani Musa, the Senator representing Niger East, noted that the bill’s presentation violated the traditional procedure for money Bills, which requires a detailed breakdown of expenditures, revenue sources, and previous budget performance.

Godswill Akpabio, the Senate President concurred that the Bill lacked the necessary details for the Senate to proceed with the debate. He then put the bill to voice vote, and the majority voted against reading the bill for the second time, resulting in a minor uproar.

Bamidele, the bill’s sponsor, approached the Senate President. He then conceded that the Bill did not provide sufficient information for a proper debate.

Consequently, the Bill was down until a detailed breakdown was provided.