The Senate emphasized that in expediting the approval of the N2.17 trillion Supplementary Appropriation Bill, they duly considered the hardships faced by Nigerians.
Senator Ali Ndume, the Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriation, asserted that the swift passage of the budget within 48 hours was a patriotic responsibility. He clarified that the bill, submitted by President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday, prompted the National Assembly to suspend certain rules to expedite the process. The bill underwent first and second readings, then was referred to the Appropriations committees in both chambers. The joint committee promptly presented, deliberated, and approved the report within the 48-hour timeframe.
Ndume highlighted the rising costs of fuel, essential services, and food items in the country due to the removal of fuel subsidies. This led to worker strikes and subsequent negotiations between organized labor unions and the Federal Government. Ultimately, an agreement was reached to pay workers an additional N35,000 on top of their minimum wage.
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The allocation of N35,000 to each of the 1.5 million workers amounts to a substantial sum. This provision was included in the supplementary budget.