Buhari to MDAs: 2021 Budget must be ready by September

President Buhari on Tuesday directed Ministries,
Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure the
presentation of the 2021 Appropriation Bill to the
National Assembly in September 2020.
The President gave the directive when he signed the
2020 budget at the State House, Abuja.
He said: “I am confident that all Federal Ministries,
Departments and Agencies would cooperate with the
Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning to
keep to this timeline.”
President Buhari pledged to work with the National
Assembly to give effect to the constitutional,
legislative and other actions necessary to address the
various challenges currently associated with the
budgeting process, including the enactment of an
Organic Budget Bill.
He noted that the 2020 Budget passed by the National
Assembly provided for aggregate expenditures of
N10.594 trillion, an increase of N263.95 billion over
the Executive’s Proposal submitted to the lawmakers
in October.
He added: “We have examined the adjustments and
may revert to the National Assembly with a request for
a virement or other relevant amendments.’’
President Buhari revealed that the Minister of Finance,
Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, would
make a public presentation of the details of the
approved budget.
“With today’s global oil market outlook and our
strategic approach to revenue growth, we are
optimistic that we will be able to finance the 2020
Budget.
“However, being a deficit budget, an appropriate 2020
– 2022 Borrowing Plan will be forwarded to the
National Assembly, in due course.
“Mr. Senate President, Right Honourable Speaker, for
this submission, I will once again count on your usual
cooperation and support by ensuring quick
consideration and approval of the plan.
“To optimize the desired impact, I have directed the
Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning and
all Federal MDAs to ensure effective implementation of
the 2020 Budget ,’’ he added.