The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon Yakubu Dogara, has
assured Nigerians that the House would pass the 2016 budget in March.
The Speaker gave the assurance when he received a delegation from the
Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and
Agriculture (NACCIMA) in his office on Thursday according to a statement
issued by his spokesman, Turaki Hassan.
He said that although the budget as it is has some imperfections, the
legislators would ensure that it impacts positively on the lives of its
citizens when passed. According to him, the lawmakers are aware of the
responsibilities placed on them in ensuring that they scrutinise and
ensure a good budget, and are liaising with heads of Ministries,
Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to produce a good document.
“Hopefully by next month, we will have it ready”, he said.
The Speaker also said that failure to diversify the economy in the past
was responsible for the economic challenges bedeviling the country.
According to the Speaker, the House of Representatives will soon begin
sectoral debates where Ministers and other Heads of Agencies would be
called upon to address the members on the prospects and challenges of
their organisations, with a view to improving on their services.
Dogara further stated that the House has commenced debate on some laws
earmarked for review, adding that the country needs to have very
competitive laws that would boost business, like is obtainable in other
countries.
The president of the association, Chief Bassey Edem, appealed to the
legislators to look into the challenges facing businesses such as
infrastructure – with special emphasis on power and transportation – with
a view to addressing them.
Chief Edem commended the House of Representatives on the work so far done
on the 2016 budget, and also reminded the House of Nigerians’
expectations. He urged the House to enact laws that would encourage
business growth.