We Will Pass 2021 Budget Before End Of 2020 – Senate President Assures

Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan has given assurances that the National Assembly is ready to pass the 2021 national budget estimates before the end of 2020.

Lawan said this in his opening remarks on Thursday, shortly before President Muhammadu Buhari laid the N13.08 trillion 2021 Appropriation Bill before the lawmakers.

The Senate President recalled that the legislators had done something similar in the past as he noted that they promised to pass the 2020 budget before the year ended which they did.

“The National Assembly is ready to pass the 2021 budget before the end of the year, by the grace of God,” Lawan said.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has presented the 2021 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly on Thursday.

Naija News understands that Buhari arrived at the National Assembly Complex around 11.00am and was received by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Arc Ojo Olatunde Amos, who led him through the basement door into the House of Representatives Chambers.

Compared to budget presentations done in previous years, the President was only accompanied by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and a few ministers, while the others are expected to participate virtually.

According to Senate President Ahmad Lawan, the new arrangement became necessary in order to maintain social distancing during the presentation, as a result of the COVID-19.