National Assembly says it will hold an emergency session on Monday next week to consider and pass the 2021 Appropriation Bill before adjourning for its Christmas/New Year break.
Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, who announced the development at plenary on Wednesday, said the delay was to accommodate fresh demands from the Executive arm of government regarding the budget.
On Tuesday, the Federal Government wrote the National Assembly to demand a fresh review of the 2020 Appropriation Act.
Minister of Finance, Budget and National Planning, Zainab Ahmed, in particular, asked the National Assembly to extend the expiration date of the capital component of the 2020 budget
Lawan said the National Assembly resolved to take certain legislative decisions in order to ensure the January to December budget cycle.
According to him, “There was a late request for some more expenditure from the executive arm of government and we want to ensure our committee produce a very clean document so they can’t present this report today.
“However, they (the committee) said the report will be ready by weekend.
“Consequently, the Senate will hold a special session on Monday 21st of December, just to consider and pass the budget 2021.
“This is in keeping with our legislative agenda of ensuring that annual budget has January to December cycle.”