NASS Extends 2022 Budget Implementation To March 2023

Fresh indications have emerged that the National Assembly has extended implementation of the 2022 Budget from December 31, 2022 to March 31, 2023.

Primarily, the extension followed a letter from President Muhammadu Buhari requesting the National Assembly to amend the 2022 Appropriation Act.

In the Senate, lawmakers relaxed their standing rules to grant accelerated consideration and approval to the President’s request in line with Section 318 of the 1999 Constitution.

In the letter which was read on the floor by the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, President Buhari explained that the extension will enable the government to implement key projects in the capital component of the 2022 Budget that were not allocated for in the 2023 Budget proposal.

In his contribution, Senator Adamu Aliero (PDP, Kebbi South) supported the amendment being sought by the President stating that it had become necessary to ensure that some critical capital projects are not abandoned.

Speaking, Senator Gabriel Suswam (PDP, Benue North East), also backed the President’s request to extend the budget.

The Senate dissolved into the “Committee of Supply” to consider the report before it eventually approved and passed the request to extend the life of the 2022 budget till March 31, 2023.