The presidency has assured that Nigerians will begin to see
the effects of the 2024 budget within the shortest possible time.
Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters to
President Bola Tinubu, Kunle Olanrewaju, gave this assurance in an interview on
Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday.
He said, “Within the shortest possible time, Nigerians will
begin to see the effects of the 2024 budget and will have reason to smile.”
“Things are not very rosy for the average Nigerian; all of
us are in the shoes, and we believe that we must change the narratives. And of
course, that is why the president has focused this particular budget on solving
the basic problems, particularly job creation, poverty reduction, and social
development.
“The indices are clear that we have problems in our hands,
but like a good warrior, you don’t run away from war. I can assure you that we
will begin to see the effect of this budget within the shortest possible time.
“Nigeria will clearly see that at the end of the tunnel,
there is light,” he said.
Recall President Bola Tinubu, at his maiden budget presentation
before the National Assembly on Wednesday, said the proposed N27.5 trillion
2024 budget will ensure micro-economic stability, poverty reduction, and
greater access to social security.
The president highlighted priority areas such as security,
local job creation, macro-economic stability, investment environment
optimization, human capital development, poverty reduction, and social
security.
He fixed recurrent non-debit expenditure at N9.92trn,
capital expenditure at N8.73trn, debt service at N8.25trn, revenue at
N18.32trn, new borrowings at N7.83trn, and deficit at N9.18trn.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has passed the N27.5
trillion 2024 budget for a second reading.
The House passed the appropriations bill on Thursday.
House Leader Julius Ihonvbere, while leading the debate on
the general principles of the budget, commended President Bola Tinubu.
Ihonvbere noted that national security and education, which
got significant allocations, will be enhanced if implemented.
He said, “Nigeria will be more secure with the allocation to
defence and security.
“As a teacher, I am impressed by the emphasis on basic
education. I am sure that education will be better off this time,” he added.