Three ministers took turns yesterday to explain the gains of the stoppage of petrol subsidy payment, Budget 2024 implementation performance and the importance of the national identity scheme.
The ministers are Wale Edun (Finance/Coordinating Minister for the Economy), Atiku Bagudu (Budget/Economic Planning) and Mohammed Idris (Information and National Orientation).
It was during a special budget defence session organised by the Senate Committees on Appropriation, Information and National Orientation for some ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs).
The senators sought explanations from Edun and Bagudu on the gains of petrol fuel subsidy removal and the amount spent on debt servicing in 2024.
Idris, who was represented by the Director-General of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Lanre Issa-Onilu, and News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Managing Director, Alli Mohammed Alli, explained the need for the national identity project being championed by NOA.
Edun, who explained the extent to which last year’s budget had been implemented, especially its capital component, was asked by a member of the committee, Abdul Ningi (PDP – Bauchi Central), to explain how proceeds from petrol subsidy removal were applied in the 2024 fiscal year.
