• Sat. Apr 20th, 2024

Reps To Review The 2022 Proposed Budget

House of Representatives on Wednesday called for the review of some parameters in the 2022 proposed budget to reflect present realities. 

The members spoke during the budget debate shortly after the appropriation bill was passed for a second reading.  

A member, Luke Onofiok said the oil price benchmark of $57 per barrel was too low given the global oil price of over $80per barrel, saying it should be increased to at least $60 per barrel.  

He maintained that the N3.9trn debt servicing in the proposed budget was outrageous, also decried the deficit of N6.2trn in the budget. 

Speaking, the Chairman House Committee on Works, Kabir Abubakar, stressed the need for standing committees to investigate how funds allocated to various intervention programmes were utilized.

He also urged for upward review of proposed funds for road projects in the budget to about N500bn.  

Also, the House Leader Alhassan Doguwa applauded the Presidency for ongoing efforts towards sustaining the January-December budget cycle and improved infrastructure.  

Similarly, the Minority Leader Ndudi Elumelu asked the house to ensure all the standing committees compile the list of erring Ministries, Departments and Agencies that failed to implement the capital projects despite the release of about 70 per cent fund in the 2020 Appropriation Act.  

Lawmakers also called for an upward review of the N50bn hazard allowances allocated for doctors in the proposed budget presented to the National Assembly.