Nigerian Govt Wades Into Alleged NASS Budget Padding Controversy, Exonerates Ningi For Wrong Doing

The Nigerian government has entered the debate over the 10th National Assembly’s alleged budget padding.

On Tuesday, the Red Chamber suspended Abdul Ningi, senator representing Bauchi Central, for alleging that the 2024 budget was padded by N3 trillion. He claimed that the legislature padded the N28.7 trillion 2024 Appropriation Act by N3.7 trillion, noting that his findings revealed no tangible projects linked to the amount injected into the budget by lawmakers.

The allegations lasted three hours on the Red Chamber floor and culminated in Ningi’s suspension after he failed to apologise to his colleagues.

In response to the development, the Federal Government, through the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Atiku Bagudu, stated that while the executive branch has the right to transmit a budget, it is the legislature’s responsibility to review it and make input in the national interest.

The Minister, who spoke at a press conference in Abuja, said, “The president submitted a budget of N27.5 trillion, which the National Assembly wisely increased to N28.7 trillion.” We presented the budget at an exchange rate of N750 to the dollar, but the Assembly increased it to N800. That resulted in increased revenue.

“The Assembly also mandated that government-owned enterprises contribute more revenue. The judiciary, legislature, and executive branch’s budgets were then increased.

“In signing the 2024 Appropriation Act, the President acknowledged that in a democracy, institutions have power and the National Assembly has the final say.”

“The evolution of constituency projects and projects by National Assembly members, which began in 1999, reflects the challenges that elected officials face.”

The Minister also mentioned that former President Umaru Yar’ Adua, of blessed memory, had approached the Supreme Court to interpret Section 80 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), but the case was eventually settled out of court.

He went on to say, “There has been a long debate, and a former President went to the Supreme Court to define the appropriation power of the executive and the National Assembly.”

“Later, there was an out-of-court settlement.” This issue has not yet been resolved. So, what power does the National Assembly have over the budget? There is no Supreme Court decision, and our democracy’s choice is that the National Assembly has the final say. Even if they pass an appropriation and refuse assent, it becomes law after 30 days.”

On whether the National Assembly has the authority to increase budget estimates, the former Kebbi State Governor simply said “Yes,” claiming that it is all part of the checks and balances built into the presidential system of government.

Many prominent Nigerians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Senior Advocate of Nigeria Mike Ozekhome, have criticised Ningi’s suspension, arguing that instead of sanctioning him, the Godswill Akpabio-led Senate should have formed a committee to investigate the allegations.