Senate Steps Down N98.5bn FCT Supplementary Budget

The Senate has decided to step down the FCT Supplementary Appropriation Bill, 2024, pending the presentation of a breakdown of the funds to the senators.

The bill, sponsored by Senate leader Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), aimed to consolidate the ongoing projects in the FCT and the six area councils within the territory. It proposed a total revenue of N98.5 billion, resulting in a revised total FCT IRS 2024 statutory revenue appropriation of N348 billion. However, a specific breakdown of the funds was not provided during the plenary.

Senator Ede Dafinone (APC, Delta Central) immediately raised concerns about the lack of a breakdown of the budget. He called for further clarification before the bill could proceed to a second reading. Senator Sani Musa (APC, Niger East) echoed this sentiment, emphasising the importance of a proper breakdown for a meaningful debate.

Responding to the observations, Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the absence of a bill to debate. The majority of the Senators were against the second reading of the bill without a detailed breakdown, which led to a brief rowdy session in the chamber.

To calm the tension, Senator Bamidele suggested temporarily stepping down the bill until copies with the breakdown could be made available for all senators. He emphasised the importance of following proper parliamentary procedures.