The Nigerian Senate yesterday asked the Presidency to expedite action on release of funds for the implementation of 2018 budget projects.
The upper chamber said expeditious release of funds for the implementation of the budget was the only way Nigerians could begin to appreciate the positive impact of the fiscal estimates.
Senate President Bukola Saraki, in his address to welcome senators back to plenary yesterday, urged them to “fasten to their seat belts and power on with the work we have been tasked to do”.
He said posterity is watching them “and history will vindicate us if we do the job with diligence and in truth”
Saraki said: “Happily, the 2018 Budget has been signed by the President. We call on the Executive to expedite the release of funds for budget implementation, so that our people can begin to see the positive impact in their lives without delay.
“We as the Senate must continue to exercise our oversight functions to ensure successful implementation and value for money.
“Naturally, we continue to work towards reforming the budgetary process. Clearly, it is necessary for the Executive and the Legislature to work towards a more robust engagement on the need for a better budget environment and process, going forward.”
Saraki said it was clear that internal tensions were also reflections of the economic condition of Nigerians.
He said stakeholders should put economic Bills on the fast lane so that “we may conclude them, so that we can open the door to greater opportunities for our people”.
He noted that growth and development could only serve to deepen the country’s democracy.
Saraki said the Senate clocked its third anniversary while they were on break and given the sombre mood of the nation, there was no celebration.
He noted that they have had occasion to get an overview of the considerable achievements of the Eight Senate since its inauguration on June 9, 2015.
“Indeed, we have come a long way, and have set a new bar in the legislative history of this country. We have passed 213 Bills in the period under review and cleared 138 petitions – surpassing in three years the records of the entire four-year terms of every previous Senate.
“This is no mean feat. As we hit the home run, therefore, it is important we do not back-pedal or slow down; we must intensify efforts towards doing all that we are sworn to do for the electorate that voted for us as their representatives.
“With the backing of the people, we have been able to introduce landmark legislations that have helped boost our recovering economy.
He added: “We set up the Ad-Hoc Committee on the Review of Security Infrastructure in Nigeria, chaired by Senate Leader Ahmed Lawan; and we must now take steps to consider the report of that committee and take forward the recommendations therein as may be appropriate.
“Events have shown that we were right to take these steps in response to the security challenges facing the nation at this time.”