2023 supplementary budget not insensitive – Info Minister fires back at Peter Obi

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has said the 2023 supplementary budget signed into law by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is not insensitive, but a bold and pragmatic response to the pressing and economic challenges Nigeria currently faces.

The Minister in a statement by his Special Assistant on Media, Rabiu Ibrahim urged the 2023 presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi to take the time and effort to acquaint himself with the details of the N2.17 trillion 2023 Supplementary Budget.

The Minister argued in the statement that the supplementary budget includes allocations for essential sectors of security, agriculture, food security, works and housing, wage increase for workers, student loan scheme and social safety nets, among others, which he said are all aimed at strengthening the country’s economic foundations and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

The statement advised the political opposition to be informed and balanced in the exercise of their right and refrain from misrepresentation of facts for political gains, explaining that the supplementary budget was derived from the active engagement and consultation with relevant stakeholders who ensured that the budgetary provisions aligned with the needs and expectations of Nigerians.

The Minister emphasized that, in line with President Tinubu’s inclination to accountability and transparency in government expenditure, all items in the supplementary budget have been meticulously scrutinised to ensure efficient utilisation of public funds.