House Of Reps Vows To Scrutinise 'Each Kobo' In Tinubu's N6.2trillion Supplementary Budget Bill

The House of Representatives has announced its intention to thoroughly examine President Bola Tinubu's 2024 Supplementary Budget bill to ensure every single naira is effectively utilized.

The 2024 Supplementary Budget, totalling N6.2trillion, aims to fund critical infrastructure projects and public welfare initiatives. 

The budget is divided into two main components: N3.2 trillion for Renewed Hope infrastructure projects and N3 trillion to meet further recurrent expenditure of the Federal Government.

However, Philip Agbese, the Deputy Spokesperson of the House of Representatives while speaking with journalists on Friday, assured Nigerians that the House was working diligently to review the bill. 

Agbese asserted that the House was committed to ensuring that the supplementary budget serves the best interests of Nigerians. 

He further explained that the House would work closely with the Senate to ensure a swift passage of the bill. 

"We will scrutinise every bit of the budget proposal to ensure that ultimately each kobo is well utilised and that the budget is in the best interest of our constituents,” Agbese said. 

“We owe it to them to ensure that their resources are utilised efficiently.

"The President's request is pursuant to Section 58, sub-section two of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended. 

"The proposed amendments aim to fund critical infrastructure projects, education, healthcare access, and public welfare initiatives, all essential components of the administration's renewed hope agenda.

"We will not compromise on our commitment to transparency and accountability. We will take the time to get it right, and we are confident that the end result will be a budget that benefits all Nigerians. 

"We have a good working relationship with the Senate, and we are confident that we can work together to pass the supplementary budget in a timely manner. 

“We will work together to ensure that the budget is passed with the necessary scrutiny and oversight," he said.

When asked about the specific areas of focus in the supplementary budget, Agbese stated, "We are looking at critical infrastructure projects that will impact the lives of Nigerians, such as roads, bridges, and healthcare facilities. 

“We are also looking at education and public welfare initiatives that will benefit our constituents. We want to ensure that the budget is inclusive and benefits all Nigerians, regardless of their location or socio-economic status."

He assured that the House would not rush the process, but would take the time necessary to ensure that the supplementary budget is passed with the necessary scrutiny and oversight.