The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has challenged government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to facilitate greater citizens’ participation in the budget process.
Abbas gave the at a one-day citizens’ town hall meeting on the 2024 appropriation bill in Abuja on Monday.
Abbas said the House had taken the lead in facilitating greater citizens’ participation in the budget process.
‘’I challenge all MDAs to do the same” Abbas said.
He said the House would review the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) 2007 to strengthen its provisions to improve access to information and public consultation during the budget cycle.
Abbas stressed: “Specifically, we will amend the FRA to require and define public participation explicitly.”
He said the participation of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and development partners in the town hall meeting underscored the essence of democracy.
He added that it also underscored the power of the people to engage actively in governance and decision-making processes.
Abbas urged them to closely examine the 2024 budget as presented to the National Assembly by President Bola Tinubu
“As representatives of the people, it is our duty to ensure that the annual appropriation reflects the needs and aspirations of every Nigerian citizen.
“We are acutely aware that so many Nigerians are grappling with the challenges of soaring inflation,’’ the Speaker said.
Abbas said the President and the NASS were committed to addressing these hardships, adding that the top priority of the 2024 Appropriation Bill was national security.
“Others include: local job creation and poverty reduction, stressing that as a result, he labelled it the Budget of Renewed Hope.”
He called on Nigerians to support the aspirations of the budget and suggest ways through which NASS could strengthen the proposals to deliver better economic growth and development.
Abbas urged the CSOs to contribute their quota on national development.
“Your contributions must go beyond mere criticisms to constructive and evidence-based suggestions,’’ he said.
He urged them to suggest how to improve on the budget process and make it more responsive to the needs of all Nigerians.
Also Read:
- Alleged $1m, £34,537 theft: Court admits P-Square’s ex-manager to N50m bail
- Scientists working to extend human lifespan to 250 years – Medical expert
- Oyebanji lauds Ekiti procurement system, contractors’ capacity to deliver
- Lagos to foster environmental sustainability through collaboration, innovation –Sanwo-Olu
- Police intensify hunts for man who stabbed wife to death in Ogun
The Speaker said the town hall represented a major step in changing the narrative, adding that the participants were firmly committed to strengthening public engagement and seeking inputs into the budget process.
He said greater citizens’ engagement required action not just by the legislature but also by the executive.
Follow The Eagle Online Channel on WhatsApp
