The Senate has provided clarification on the alleged N3 trillion addition to the 2024 budget, asserting that the funds were allocated for statutory transfers to government agencies not under the direct purview of ministries.
Yemi Adaramodu, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Publicity, addressed journalists regarding the suspension of Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central), who raised concerns about budget padding.
Adaramodu emphasized that the N3 trillion allocation was designated for statutory transfers to first-line charge agencies, which include bodies like the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), and others.
He dismissed claims of budget padding, explaining that the figure was misconstrued and actually represented essential allocations to crucial agencies.
Addressing allegations of N500 million constituency funds for senators, Adaramodu labeled the claims as unfounded, urging journalists to scrutinize the 2024 budget for clarity on allocations to the National Assembly.
He said, “The Appropriation Act is a public document and when it was done, it was done in the public glare and it was N28.77 trillion and so for some to say N25 trillion was what was approved is scary.
“Statutory transfers for agencies on first line charges, that are not domiciled in the ministries was what Mr Ningi said was padded, that the allocation cannot be traced.”
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