The Joint National Assembly Committee on Appropriations has set a 48-hour deadline for all sub-committees to submit their reports on the 2024 budget, aiming to pass the N27.5 trillion 2024 Appropriation Bill before the end of the month. President Bola Tinubu had presented the budget proposal, projecting a total expenditure of N27.503 trillion for the fiscal year, with N18.324 trillion as targeted revenue and a deficit of N9.18 trillion to be financed through borrowings and privatization proceeds.
Sub-committees, including those on Tourism chaired by Senator Ireti Kingibe and Diaspora and Non-Governmental Organizations led by Sen. Victor Umeh, have begun submitting their reports to the joint committee on Appropriations, led by Senator Olamilekan Adeola. Adeola urged all sub-committees to adhere to the deadline, emphasizing the importance of meeting the January-December budget cycle.
In response to submitted reports, attention was drawn to two key issues: the fate of 136 Nigerians trapped in Ethiopian prisons and the allocation of N5 billion in the budget for the revitalization of the Obudu Cattle Ranch in Cross River State. Senator Umeh highlighted challenges faced by Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) due to insufficient funding and recommended an increased capital budget of N4.9 billion to address various concerns, including the plight of Nigerians in prisons.
Senator Kingibe expressed concern over the disproportionate allocation of over N5 billion to the Obudu Cattle Ranch within the Ministry of Tourism’s proposed capital budget of N7.9 billion. While acknowledging the point raised, the committee assured a thorough investigation into how the allocated funds would be utilized to ensure fairness and proper utilization for tourism development across the country. Senator Olamilekan emphasized the need for additional efforts to drive tourism in Nigeria.