Supplementary Budget Not Insensitive, FG Replies Obi

Federal government has said the 2023 supplementary budget signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Wednesday is not insensitive, but rather a bold and pragmatic response to the pressing and economic challenges Nigeria currently faces.

The minister of information and national orientation, Mohammed Idris, who stated this yesterday in a statement in Abuja, urged Obi, who was the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP) to acquaint himself with the details of the N2.17 trillion 2023 Supplementary Budget.

He said the budget included allocations for essential sectors: security, agriculture and food security, works and housing, wage increase for workers, student loan scheme and social safety nets, among others.

The minister said all the allocations are aimed at strengthening the country’s economic foundations and improving the living conditions of Nigerians.

Idris said the broad provisions in the supplementary budget were a reflection of President Tinubu’s strong desire and eagerness to support the vital functions of government, address urgent security needs, and fast-track the country’s recovery process from the economic impact occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy.

He urged the political opposition to be informed and balanced in the exercise of their right to differing opinions and refrain from misrepresentation of facts for political gains, explaining that the supplementary budget was derived from the active engagement and consultation with relevant stakeholders who ensured that the budgetary provisions aligned with the needs and expectations of Nigerians.

The minister emphasised that, in line with President Tinubu’s inclination to accountability and transparency in government expenditure, all items in the supplementary budget have been meticulously scrutinised to ensure efficient utilisation of public funds.