Senator Ali Ndume, the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, has provided insight into the swift passage of the 2023 Supplementary Appropriation Bill by the National Assembly within a 48-hour timeframe,Daily Trust report.
President Bola Tinubu presented the budget to the National Assembly on Tuesday, prompting the federal parliament to adapt its procedures to facilitate the bill’s approval for both first and second readings. The bill was subsequently referred to the Appropriation committees in both chambers, where they diligently worked on it, presenting their reports on Thursday, leading to its approval.
Speaking to journalists recently, Ndume explained that the National Assembly expedited the passage of the budget due to national interests, particularly related to a new minimum wage.
ALSO READ: NSIB Probes Ibadan Aircraft Incident Involving Power Minister, Others
He noted that the country had experienced an increase in fuel prices, essential services, and food costs, which resulted from the removal of fuel subsidies. These increases had led to multiple worker strikes and negotiations between organized labor unions and the federal government.
Ultimately, an agreement was reached between labor and the federal government that involved raising workers’ wages by an additional N35,000 alongside their minimum wage. Given that this would apply to over 1.5 million workers, the financial implications were substantial, and this amount was incorporated into the supplementary budget.
