The National Assembly, Monday, started a public hearing on the 2017 National Budget, the first of its kind in Nigeria. The 2017 spending hearing takes place from Today, Monday the 13th of February to Wednesday 15 February 2017.
According to the Senate, the purpose of this Budget Hearing is to make the National Budgeting process a comprehensive action for Nigerians and in addition make space for examination, discourse and edification on the essential recommendation and budget policies of the Nation.
“The forum on Budget Hearing will be used for the collation of views and positions with a view to making general Legislative contribution.”
“The 2017 Budget Hearing will provide a think tank and research base to help nassnigeria in planning toward sustainable development. Importantly, the Budget Hearing will entrench openness, transparency, accountability & effectiveness in the Legislative Budgeting process.”
While delivering his speech, Senate President, Bukola Saraki said that the Public hearing of 2017 budget is the first of its kind and is also coming at a crucial stage. Saraki noted that the Country is at a critical stage in its National Development and thus welcomed the idea of the Budget Hearing.
Also, the Hon. Minister of state for budget and planning Aisha Shamsuna Ahmed, while making her remark, said that “Effort has been made to ensure the 2017 Budget is in line with the recovery & growth plan. The 2017 Budget is designed to expand the capacity between the public and the Private sector”
Because recessions can trigger financial crises and political upheaval, the Senate decided that budgetary process should be structured to ensure rapid recovery.
