President Muhammadu Buhari presented the proposed 2021 Budget of N13trn to a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday, October 8.
The President arrived the National Assembly premises and was received by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Arc Ojo Olatunde Amos, who led him through the basement door into the House of Representatives Chambers.
Security operatives took strategic positions to ensure a hitch free budget presentation.
The President was accompanied into the Chambers by a few officials including the Minister of Finance, Zainab Ahmed; Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha; Chief of Staff, Amb. Ibrahim Gambari.
Compared to previous budget presentations, the President was only accompanied by Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, and a few ministers, while other officials participated virtually.
According to the president, the budget has been themed the “Budget of economic recovery and resilience”.
There was joy among lawmakers when the President announced that the sum of N128 billion has been allocated to the NASS in the budget.
The Senate president, Ahmad Lawan, had earlier announced that the budget will be presented on Thursday in line with the president’s drive to ensure integrity and functionality in his administration.
President Buhari stressed that he did much to deliver on key polices, programmes and projects while noting that his administration did not relent on its effort at lifting Nigerians from poverty despite the harsh economic effect of COVID-19.
The President stated that “the main thrust of the 2021 budget is to complete as many ongoing projects as possible,” while giving priority to the ones that most affect the people.
During the budget presentation, Buhari stated the increase of education budget by 60%, while Defence and Police get the highest share.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Femi Gbajabiamila, gave a closing address after the presentation, saying that the House will collaborate with all relevant ministries and agencies to ensure speedy implementation of the 2021 budget.
