The N6.06trn 2016 Appropriation Bill passed by the National Assembly last Wednesday is yet to be signed by the President Muhammadu Buhari, reports from yesterday.
From correspondence, the bill was handed over to the Presidency by the leadership of the National Assembly for assent before it went on recess, it was gathered that the Bill did not contain details and sectoral breakdown. Asked if that could be done within the period that the National Assembly would be on recess, the source said it was a possibility as the relevant officers in the National. Assembly may be directed to send the details to the President.
A Presidency source who confirmed the receipt of the Bill from the lawmakers last Thursday, explained that though the President is anxious to sign the Bill, he would only do so after the National Assembly avails him of the details which were not contained in what was handed over.
“There is no way the President can sign the bill into law without a thorough knowledge of the details. He has asked for the details from the leadership of the National Assembly. As soon as he gets this, I’m sure members of his economic team will look at it and advise on whether to assent the bill or not.
“I can confirm to you that we have received the Bill since Wednesday but there were no sectoral details on what was appropriated.