THE National Assembly approved N70 billion yesterday to assist the “working conditions” of new lawmakers in addition to amending the N819.5 billion 2022 supplementary budget.
The amendment also included N500 billion in palliatives for Nigerians to lessen the impact of the elimination of fuel subsidies.
The amendment was approved by the Senate and the House of Representatives, within 24 hours of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to the parliament.
The breakdown of the N819.5 billion amended supplementary budget revealed that N500 billion is allocated for palliatives to lessen the impact of the recent elimination of gasoline subsidies. It will be based in the ministry of finance.
The information revealed that N185 billion was allocated to the Ministry of Works and Housing to lessen the impact of the country’s 2022 flooding calamity on the country’s road infrastructure throughout its six geopolitical zones.
The National Judicial Council received N35 billion, the Federal Capital Territory Administration received N10 billion for important projects, the Ministry of Agriculture received N19.2 billion, and the National Assembly received N70 billion to support the working conditions of new members. This funding was also distributed to the National Judicial Council and the Federal Capital Territory Administration.
However, civil society organizations have criticized the N70 billion allocation to lawmakers, calling it excessive.
Comments are closed.