Akpabio promises prompt transmission of 2025 budget

The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio has assured Nigerians that the 2025 budget will be transmitted to President Bola Tinubu as soon as possible.

At the Plenary, Senator Akpabio emphasized the commitment of the Senate to ensuring a seamless budgetary process.

Senator Akpabio commended his colleagues for their diligence in scrutinising the budget, noting that their efforts would result in a practical financial plan for Nigeria.

“I congratulate all senators and indeed the National Assembly as a whole for the way and manner you have scrutinised the budget of 2025. At the end, we will have a workable document for the benefit of all Nigerians,” Akpabio stated.

Senator Akpabio also commended lawmakers for extending the capital provisions of the 2024 budget to June 2025 to prevent government operations from stalling.

“I also thank you for your foresight in extending the capital provisions of the 2024 budget to June so that government business does not grind to a halt as the constitution allows Mr. President to undertake the current expenses in the 2025 budget even for the next few months up to June this year. He noted.

The Senate also announced a reshuffling of the leadership of some senate standing committees.

It announced Senator Orji Uzor Kalu(APC-Abia) and Senator Babangida Hussaini (APC-Jigawa) as Chairmen, Senate Committees on South East Development Commission and North West Development Commission.

Also named as Vice Chairmen of the committees are Senator Mohammed Dandutse (APC-Katsina),North -West Development Commission and Senator Ken Eze (APC-Ebonyi )South East Development Commission.

The Senate also appointed Senator Titus Zam (APC-Benue), who was formerly Chairman Committee on Rules and Business as Chairman Committee on North Central Development Commission.

Senator Akpabio made the announcements at the resumption of plenary

The President of the Senate also announced Senator Abudl Ningi (PDP-Bauchi) as new Chairman, Committee on Sports Development, while Senator Victor Umeh (LP -Anambra),who was formerly Chairman, Committee on Diaspora was appointed Chairman Committee on National Population and Identity.

Senator Akpabio also announced Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan,(PDP-Kogi),formerly Chairman of local content committee as new Chairman Committee on Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs).

Senator Joel-Onowakpo Thomas(APC-Delta)was appointed the new Chairman, Committee on Local Content.

Senator Akpabio also named Senator Isa Jubril (APC-Kogi) as Deputy Chairman on Rules and Business, saying that announcement of the new Chairman for the committee,who should be a versatile lawmaker and familiar with rules of senate would be made in due course.