Saraki Gives Buhari Conditions Over 2018 Budget Passage

The President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki has told President Muhammadu Buhari that the quick passage of the

2018 Appropriation Bill would depend on the level of cooperation between the National Assembly and the Executive. Buhari

proposed N8.6trn for the 2018 financial year at the Joint Session of the National Assembly on Tuesday in Abuja, during the presentation of the 2018 Budget Proposal.

The President assured that the 2018 budget would be a consolidation of the earlier ones, noting that 2018 is expected to be a year of better outcomes while describing the document as “Budget of Consolidation.”

Saraki, in his speech at the joint session of the National Assembly where President Muhammadu Buhari is currently presenting the bill, urged the Executive to cooperate with the Legislature for this administration to succeed.

He said, “The early passage of the 2018 budget will depend on this good working relationship. The passage of the important Execution bills that will improve the ease of doing business is also dependent on this.

“So, Mr. President, with all sense of responsibility the 469 (Senate – 109; House of Representatives – 360) members in the chamber are your true partners who will ensure the success of this administration in achieving your goals and objectives.

“So, I will appeal that you continue to lobby them close ranks and let them work for you. They have shown in the past that they can work for you an they are ready to do so. Let me assure Mr. President that the 2018 budget proposal, the National Assembly will work to achieve the best result.”