The National Assembly's earlier plan to pass the year 2022 budget of N16.39trillion seemed to have suffered a setback as the financial requirement for the conducting of the 2023 general election is yet to be made available by the electoral umpire.
On the other hand, the National Population Commission (NPC) has made their budget available as they peg the population census to be conducted next year to consume N400billion. The Senate Committee on Appropriation headed by, Senator Jibrin Barau (APC Kano North) has in preparation to receive the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) budget has held a special session, however, it hit a brick wall when the INEC boss could not turn up for the presentation. Accordingly, one of the Commissioner of INEC for Zuru, Abdulrahman Abdul informed the committee members that the National INEC Chairman is the only person that could give the precise budget that is needed by the committee.
Mr. Abdul said, “Mr. Chairman and members of this distinguished committee, we have listened to you and appreciate the concern on funding the 2023 general elections as regards the need to capture some of the projected expenses in the 2022 budget.
“But such financial details can only be given by our chairman who is presently abroad and billed to return on Sunday or Monday morning.
He assured the committee that the document they required will be made available to them by Monday next week.
Shortly after the meeting, the INEC commissioner informed journalists that the latest development would frustrate the passage of the budget this week as planned.
Senator Barau said, “2023 general elections and projected national head counts slated for next year are very important (and this is) the reason we want to make provisions for them in the 2022 budget.
He added, “As a result of the importance of the two, the passage of the 2022 budget will no longer be possible this week as earlier planned and clearly stated on our timetable,”
When a timetable was released in October, a report on the budget was expected to have been made available by the committee yesterday, 14th December, but now have been adjourned to December 21st which means when become possible will be a week delayed from the earlier scheduled date.
At the end of the meeting, the committee revealed the NPC budget would be added to the expected one from INEC on Monday next week as promised and subsequently would be laid before the red chamber for consideration.
