Senate Extends 2021 Budget Implementation

The Senate has extended implementation of the 2021 Appropriation Act from 31st March to 31st May, 2022.

The extension was approved following the consideration of a bill to Amend the 2021 Appropriation Act.

The Senate before considering the bill suspended Rule 78(1) of the Senate Standing Orders 2022 (as amended), to enable it to expeditiously introduce and pass the bill.

The bill was read during plenary for  first, second and third time after the suspension of Rule 78(1).

The bill was sponsored by the Senate Leader, Yahaya Abdullahi

Leading the debate on the bill, Senator Abdullahi, recalled that Appropriation Acts in the past were passed mid-year, with their implementation usually extended to the following year.

The lawmaker, noted that these extensions were usually covered by a Clause in line with the provisions of Section 318 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, that the Act runs for a period of 12 months, starting from the date it comes into effect.

He, however, observed on the contrary that Clause 12 of the provisions of Section 318 of the Constitution provides that the 12 month period start from the 1st day of January to 31st day of December, 2021.

 The lawmaker recalled that the 2022 Appropriation Act was amended to extend the implementation year from 31st December, 2021 to 31st March, 2022.

Senator Abdullahi, explained that the extension of the budget period became necessary in view of the need to complete ongoing projects nearing completion.