During the inaugural meeting of the Standing Committee in Abuja, the House of Representatives expressed its determination to ensure the prompt passage of the 2024 Appropriation bill.

Abubakar Bichi, the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, emphasized the committee’s oversight role in monitoring the implementation of the budget by relevant government agencies.

Bichi reaffirmed the committee’s commitment to upholding the Financial Year Act by passing the budget on or before December 31st, enabling effective budget implementation from the beginning to the end of the year. He emphasized that the committee’s work extends beyond budget appropriation and includes monitoring the implementation by all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).

The lawmaker highlighted the prominent role of the Appropriations Committee in the legislative process, particularly in allocating funds for government operations. He disclosed plans to hold strategic meetings with the Chairmen of Finance, National Planning, and Aids, Loans, and Debt Management to gather data necessary for inclusive budget preparation, effective implementation, and oversight.

Bichi stressed that the committee’s authority, as outlined in the House of Representatives Standing Orders, empowers it to coordinate, monitor, and supervise the implementation of all Appropriation Acts passed by the National Assembly. This authority will be utilized to conduct oversight over relevant agencies such as the Federal Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Federal Ministry of Finance, Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, and National Economic Intelligence Agency.

Furthermore, the committee aims to uphold the tradition of complying with the Financial Year Act by ensuring the budget’s passage before December 31st each year. This effort will facilitate operational and achievable budget implementation from January to December.