In response to recent allegations made by Senator Abdul Ningi of Bauchi Central, asserting that the Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal Government operates two versions of the 2024 budget, a statement issued by Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information & Strategy, has debunked the claims, labeling them as baseless.
Acting under the Northern Senators’ Forum, Senator Ningi purportedly stated in an interview with BBC Hausa Service that the National Assembly debated and passed a N25 trillion budget, contradicting the N28.7 trillion budget being implemented by the Federal Government.
However, Onanuga’s statement clarifies that President Tinubu presented a budget of N27.5 trillion to the National Assembly on November 29, 2023, comprising N9.92 trillion for recurrent expenditure, N8.25 trillion for debt service, and N8.7 trillion for capital expenditure. The assertion of a N25 trillion budget, therefore, lacks factual basis.
Furthermore, the statement emphasizes that the National Assembly passed a budget totaling N28.7 trillion, with an increase of N1.2 trillion from the executive proposal. President Tinubu, in accordance with democratic principles, signed this appropriation bill into law on January 1, 2024, affirming its legitimacy.
Addressing concerns about the budget’s alleged bias against the North, Onanuga contends that such claims are unfounded, asserting that President Tinubu’s administration is committed to equitable distribution of resources and development projects across all regions of Nigeria.
The statement denounces Senator Ningi’s divisive rhetoric and commends Senator Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, along with Senators Steve Sunday Karimi, Titus Tartenger Zam, and Kaka Sheu, for their efforts in setting the record straight.
Emphasizing President Tinubu’s adherence to constitutional democracy, Onanuga asserts that the only 2024 budget in effect is the N28.7 trillion budget approved by the National Assembly and duly signed by the President. This budget encompasses statutory transfers to key institutions such as the Judiciary, National Assembly, and Tetfund.
The statement concludes by reaffirming President Tinubu’s commitment to the rule of law and inclusive governance, emphasizing his adherence to the budget approved by the legislative arm of government.
