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National Conscience, a Civil Society Organisation (CSO) has called on the Federal Government to commence speedy disbursement of funds for accelerated implementation of the 2017 Budget.
Executive Director of the organisation, Mr Tosin Adeyanju, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja.
The Appropriation Bill, presented to the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari on Dec. 14, 2016 and passed by the assembly on May 10, was assented to by Acting President Yemi Osinbajo on Monday.
Adeyanju said that with the Bill signed at the middle of the year, there was need for immediate disbursement of funds for the implementation of a budget.
“It is a welcomed development and huge relief to the nation that the budget was finally signed.
“Our prayer is that the Federal Government should ensure total implementation with immediate release of funds.
“Funds meant for capital projects should be released in time to fast-track development and help the country to come out of recession.
“All ministries, departments and agencies must also ensure that funds released are immediately utilised for the purpose for which it was released.
“We also call on the National Assembly to properly monitor the implementation process,’’ Adeyanju said.
While commending the Osibanjo for signing the budget, he called for measures to ensure that the 2018 Appropriation Bill was presented in time for early passage and assent.
He noted that the Federal Government had promised to commence the process of the 2018 budget early and urged it to do so to eliminate all the delays and problems.
“Late budget is not the best for our country and its economy. A country that is going through recession should not pass through this path if we must be taken serious in the comity of nations.’’
The executive director also advised the Federal Government to ensure that the 2018 Budget focused more on agriculture, youths’ empowerment, job creation and infrastructure development.
“We must increase funding for power, social investment and youths empowerment so that more people can have access to fund, especially in this time of recession.
“The government should also provide the enabling environment for people to develop,’’ he said.
Adeyanju condemned a statement by Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity on the signing of the budget.
Shehu had said that Buhari directed Osinbajo to sign the budget into law through a letter dated June 10, 2017 and addressed to the Minister of Budget and National Planning.
According to Adeyanju, there was no need for such statement as the country has one presidency and there should not be any drama about the signing of the budget.