Bamidele explained that the extension was essential to enable the federal government to complete ongoing projects outlined in the 2024 budget.
The senate has approved an extension of the implementation of the capital aspect of the 2024 budget, now set to run until June 30, 2025. This decision followed a request from President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday, urging lawmakers to approve the extension to ensure that the government can fully utilise all components of the budget.
The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio made the announcement during the day’s plenary after the appropriation bill had undergone first, second and third reading and received broad support from senators. The bill was also reviewed by the senate committee on Supply before being presented for approval.
During the plenary, leader of the senate, Opeyemi Bamidele, (APC, Ekiti central} led the debate on the proposed extension. Bamidele explained that the extension was essential to enable the federal government to complete ongoing projects outlined in the budget. He highlighted the need for ministries, departments, and agencies to fully utilise the substantial funds allocated for various projects. Bamidele called on his colleagues to support the extension to avoid the abandonment of crucial federal projects across the country.
The extension was seconded by minority leader, Abba Moro, and deputy president of the senate, Barau Jibrin who emphasised the importance of the extension. He noted that discussions on such extensions had become a regular part of the National Assembly’s process, and the 2024 budget would be no exception. Jibrin stressed that the extension was in the best interest of the nation, ensuring that essential projects continued without delays.
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However, Sen. Binos Yaroe (PDP, Adamawa south) raised a procedural concern, arguing that the extension process did not adhere to senate rules. He pointed out that copies of draft bills should be distributed to all senators before any debate, but this was not done with the amended appropriation bill. Senate President Akpabio clarified that this rule applies to new bills, not amendments, and thus the process was valid.
Following the debate, Akpabio called for a voice vote, and the majority of lawmakers voted in favor of the extension. The senate president emphasised that the decision would enable the government to complete vital infrastructure projects and reaffirmed that the extension was in the best interest of all Nigerians.
