The Senate on Wednesday passed for second reading the sum of N895, 842,465,917.00 as Supplementary Budget for 2021.
President Muhammdu Buhari had on Tuesday transmitted the document to the National Assembly for consideration and approval.
Senate President Ahmad Lawan referred the Bill to the Senate Committee on Appropriations for further legislative work and to report back on Tuesday next week.
There are indications that the supplementary budget may be passed in a record time and transmitted to the President for his assent.
The document may have to be passed as it is to avoid back and forth movements that could dilate the process.
Once the supplementary budget bill returns from committee work ( second reading), it will be read for the third time and passed by the Senate.
The House of Reps will have to pass its own version or concur with the budget bill as approved by the Senate.
In the event there are differences in the bills as passed by both Chambers, there will be a joint committee to Harmonise the money bill after which it will be passed separately by both Chambers and the clean bill will be sent by the Clerk to the National Assembly to the President for his assent.
The process will be this fast and seamless only if the supplementary budget bill is passed as received without “tinkering with” by the Legislature.
Stay ahead with the latest updates! Join The ConclaveNG on WhatsApp and Telegram for real-time news alerts, breaking stories, and exclusive content delivered straight to your phone. Don’t miss a headline — subscribe now!
