- The presidency defended extending the 2023 Supplementary Budget, ensuring project completion amid funding delays, according to adviser Bayo Onanuga
- Onanuga highlighted that extending the budget allows for the completion of important projects delayed due to funding issues
The presidency has defended the National Assembly’s decision to extend the lifespan of the capital section of the 2023 Supplementary Budget, stating it aims for full implementation of the budget. Bayo Onanuga, Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, clarified this on Friday.
This extension has been criticized by the civic platform BudgIT, which noted that it makes the third national budget run concurrently. However, Onanuga responded that the National Assembly’s action was necessary to ensure the completion of projects outlined in the budget.
Onanuga explained, “The National Assembly extended the budget to ensure the implementation of projects that have not yet been executed due to funding issues.”
He pointed out that the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, among others, had allocations in both the 2023 Budget and the Supplementary Budget. However, these allocations had not yet received the necessary funds to proceed with their projects, so the projects had to be carried forward.
Onanuga stated, “Many capital budget projects from last year were not completed because of funding delays. Extending the budget allows these projects to move forward and be implemented.”
The presidency’s stance is that extending the budget is crucial for the timely execution of important national projects that have been delayed due to a lack of funding. This move aims to ensure that these projects are not abandoned and that their benefits can be realized by the public.