President Buhari set to sign 2022 budget

There are indications that President Muhammadu Buhari could sign the 2022 Appropriation Bill into law as early as Friday.

The news was confirmed on Tuesday in Abuja by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu.

National Assembly Passes Bill

According to Shehu, the 2022 budget has been transmitted by the National Assembly, and President Buhari is likely to sign the bill into law by Friday.

The lawmakers in the House of Representatives and the Senate had recently passed the budget of N17.126 trillion. Increasing the benchmark price of crude from $57 to $62 per barrel.

Also confirming the development in a memo addressed to the Presidency was the Clerk to the National Assembly, Ojo Amos.

The document with reference number NASS/CNA/37/Volume 1/35 indicated that the budget was transmitted last Friday and was received by the Office of the Chief of Staff to the President, on Saturday.

“In consonance with the Provisions of the Acts Authentication Act Cap. A2, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. I wish, with due respect, to forward to Your Excellency. The authenticated copies of Appropriation Bill, 2022, for your consideration and assent.

“After Your Excellency’s assent one copy of the signed bill, it should be retained in your office. While the other two are to be returned for our further action, please.

“With my highest regards,” the memo read.

The Senate had passed the 2022 budget during the plenary last Wednesday. With the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, giving the assurance that the bill would be sent to the President for assent the following day.

READ ALSO: World leaders continue to pay tribute to late Desmond Tutu

On its part, the House of Representatives passed the budget last Tuesday.

The National Assembly raised the total 2022 budget figure from the proposed N16.391 trillion to N17.126 trillion.

Signing the budget before the end of the year, will enable Nigeria to continue on the path of a one-year budget cycle.