The National Assembly on Thursday, January 26, 2017, concluded debates on the 2017 Appropriation Bill at its plenary sessions.

During the debate in the Senate, Sen. Foster Ogola (PDP: Bayelsa) expressed dismay that the 2017 budget did not make provisions for project implementation in the Niger Delta region. He also noted that the Federal Government had failed to provide an economy recovery master plan that would stir the country out of recession. Also corroborating this view of facilitating development in the Niger Delta, Sen. Theodore Orji (PDP: Abia) noted that oil production would be enhanced if the Federal Government could guarantee peace in the region.

Also contributing to the debate, Sen. Binta Garba(APC: Adamawa) canvassed that the Senate consider increasing the funds allocated for the development of the North East and improving the plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). Sen. Yahaya Abdullahi (APC: Kebbi) also urged the Senate to ensure that the North East Development Commission (NEDC) Establishment bill, which has been passed by both chambers of the National Assembly is assented to by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Other matters of interest discussed by the Senate focused on increasing the percentage of expenditure for the Health sector as the present percentage was deemed “below minimum”; ensuring non-duplication of expenditures by Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs); encouraging private sector participation for the purpose of infrastructural development; and equitable distribution of resources and projects.

The House of Representatives has also concluded its three-day debate on the 2017 Appropriation Bill.

The Bill has now been referred to both the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Appropriations following which the National Assembly’s plenary sessions were suspended to Tuesday, February 21, 2017 to enable MDA’s defend their budgets.

It would be recalled that the National Assembly commenced debate on the 2017 Appropriation Bill on Tuesday, January 24, 2017.