Juliana Taiwo-Obalonye, Abuja
The National Assembly on Friday night transmitted the harmonised 2018 Budget to President Muhammadu Buhari for assent. The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, confirmed this to State House Correspondents.
Enang, when contacted at about 8.30pm said, “I have received the budget on behalf of the Presidency. I am transmitting it now.” The Senate President, Bukola Saraki had given assurance Thursday night during the breaking of fast with President Buhari at the Presidential Villa that the budget will be transmitted Friday.
Both chambers of the Assembly had on May 16, 2018 approved the budget estimates submitted by Buhari on November 7, 2017. The lawmakers also raised the total figure from N8.6 trillion to N9.1 trillion, six months after it was presented.
Saraki said “I think that should have been done, we had to harmonise, it’s just a slight difference, it has been passed yesterday (Wednesday). It was in the rules and proceedings of today (Thursday), so I am sure by tomorrow (Friday), we will transmit it to the Presidency.” he said