Yemi Obafemi
A Nigerian Knowledge Institution named Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), has raises concerns over President Tinubu’s request for Amendment of 2022 Supplementary Appropriation Act.
The President’s request seeks to extract a substantial amount of N500 billion from the 2022 supplementary budget to provide palliatives aimed at cushioning the effect of fuel subsidy removal.
In a statement signed by the organization officials, The Lead Director, Eze Onyekpere and the Strategic Communication Officer, Victor Okeke. The organisation finds it disconcerting that such a request is being made in July, the seventh month of the 2023 financial year for an amendment to the previous year’s supplementary budget.
This raises questions about the propriety of the timing and the potential impact on fiscal planning and budgetary processes. To be implementing and proposing virements from the 2022 federal budget in July of 2023 rubbishes the idea of a financial year defined as the period commencing on January 1 and ending on the 31st of December of every year.
“In fact, and in logical parlance, the Federal Government cannot be proposing to use the 2022 budget to alleviate the hardship arising from the fuel subsidy removal that was announced in the middle of 2023.
“We note that the President’s request lacks specificity and vital details regarding how the proposed N500 billion will be allocated, spent and utilized. Without specific information on the intended purpose, target beneficiaries, etc, this request violates S.81 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 199 as amended vis: “The heads of expenditure contained in the estimates (other than expenditure charged upon the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the Federation by this Constitution) shall be included in a bill, to be known as an Appropriation Bill, providing for the issue from the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the sums necessary to meet that expenditure and the appropriation of those sums for the purposes specified therein”.
“The request is neither transparent nor accountable; it is unconstitutional,” they said.
“We strongly urges the National Assembly to assert its constitutional power of appropriation and demand that the requested amount’s specifics and the planned utilization be sent to it for vetting before approval. It is crucial for the government to follow the rule of law, demonstrate transparency and accountability in financial matters, especially when dealing with significant amounts of public funds.
“We emphasize that Nigeria’s fiscal challenges require a long-term and strategic approach rather than ad hoc measures. Short-term fixes, like a sprint run, may provide temporary relief, but they do not address the root causes of our fiscal imbalances. A comprehensive policy framework and sustainable solutions are needed to ensure long-term stability and prosperity for all Nigerians.
“We urge the Federal Government to follow the Constitution, prioritize transparency, engage in inclusive decision-making processes, and pursue evidence-based policies that address the underlying issues affecting our economy.
CSJ said this is an opportunity for national assembly to stamp its authority and avoid being tagged early in the day, as a rubberstamp institution.
