By Ayodele Oni
The House of Representatives is expected to commence sitting on this year’s budget proposal for the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC).
This followed the receipt of the 2024 Statutory Budget Proposal of the Commission submitted by the Presidency, for consideration.
The budget proposal, which was transmitted to the Green Chamber via a letter from President Bola Tinubu, dated May 20, 2024, was read on the floor of parliament, on Tuesday.
Reading the accompanying letter addressed to Abbas Tajudeen, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Kalu, who was presiding, noted that the action was in line with the provisions of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended).
According to the spokesman for the green chamber, Akin Rotimi Jnr, “As contained in the communication, the budget proposal has been prepared on the basis of NDDC’s revenue and expenditure forecasts, which is aligned with the fiscal and developmental policies of the Federal Government.
“President Tinubu stated in the letter to the House that the proposal aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda, and takes into consideration, the 2024 – 2026 Economic Recovery Growth Plan, as well as key assumptions of the 2024 Appropriation Act of the Federal Government.”
He further highlighted that the NDDC through its budget proposal, is prioritizing improvement in security, job creation, youth and women empowerment, social welfare, education infrastructure, and increased productivity in agriculture, in order to contribute to the economic growth of the Niger Delta region and the country’s development at large.
“While I trust that the House of Representatives will in their expeditious manner consider and approve the 2024 Statutory Budget Proposal of the NDDC, please accept Rt. Honourable Speaker, the assurances of my highest consideration and regards.”
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Kalu, thereafter referred the proposal to the House Committee on NDDC for further legislative action.
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