Senate vows full implementation of 2024 budget

The Senate has pledged to ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of the N28.7tn 2024 Renewed Hope budget.

Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti-South), the Senate Spokesperson, shared updates on the Senate’s oversight of the 2024 budget implementation in an interview.

President Bola Tinubu signed the National Assembly’s N28.7tn appropriation bill into law on January 1, making it a legal document.

After signing the budget, the President said the implementation of the budget would be “efficiently pursued and vigorously monitored.”

Tinubu stated, “All the institutional mechanisms shall be held to account in ensuring diligent implementation.”

On December 30, 2024, the two arms of the National Assembly passed the 2024 appropriation bill and increased its size from N27.5tn earlier proposed by the president to N28.7tn.

The lawmakers reviewed the budget size by an increase of N1.2tn.

Senator Adaramodu replied that the 2024 budget marks a significant milestone as the first budget in the 10th National Assembly where lawmakers have full participation and control over the appropriation process.

He said, “Definitely, the lifespan of the 2023 budget was extended to June this year. So, the full implementation of the 2024 budget, which started in January, will start running in June.

“I can assure you that the 10th Senate, by extension the 10th National Assembly will not be found wanting to ensure that every kobo that is appropriated in the 2024 budget is spent according to what is budgeted for within the budget.”

He emphasised further, “We are going to make sure that we put the feet of the other arms of government on that front burner, let me call it fire, and make sure that we get results.”

The lawmaker stressed that the legislature must meet the high expectations of Nigerians to consolidate democratic gains and deliver its benefits.

Adaramodu further added, “If it is for the executive to get water out of stone, so be it, because Nigerians and we too cannot wait any longer to get things done and get the dividends of democracy.

“We will make sure that all the promises of government are fulfilled to the citizenry of Nigeria.”