Senate Passes N4.99 Trillion Budget of 2013 Budget

Budget 2013

The Senate on Thursday passed the 2013 Appropriation bill of N4.99 trillion into law. The Senate Deputy President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the plenary session, commended the National Assembly for passing the 2013 budget before the end of the year.
Ekweremadu noted that the National Assembly deserved to be commended because this was the first time since 1999 that both chambers passed the budget without going into conference.
He also used the opportunity to challenge the executive to ensure effective implementation of the 2013 budget following its early passage.
He described the early passage of the 2013 budget as a vote for the maturity of the National Assembly and the progress of the nation's democracy.
"I will like to congratulate you on this achievement. I recall that in 2009 this senate passed the Appropriation Act before going for Christmas.
"But this is the first time since 1999 that the two chambers are passing the Appropriation Act before the end of the year without any need for any conferencing.
"I believe that this will challenge the executive to ensure that there is proper implementation of the budget starting from the first day of January 2013.