ABUJA – Secretary to Federal Government, Mr. Boss Mustapha, has emphasised early passage of the 2018 Appropriation Bill, so as to allow for satisfactory implementation.
In an interface with National Assembly panel yesterday, alerted the legislators that Federal Government may not fully implement the 2018 budget if the National Assembly fails to pass the fiscal estimate on time.
He also noted that preparations for the 2019 general elections, expected to commence in March could be hindered should the Federal Budget passage be delayed.
According to him, 2019 being election year, serious government business would likely end by November this year (2018), when political parties would commence campaigns and conduct primaries.
The SGF therefore, appealed to the National Assembly to pass the budget as soon as possible to avoid possible poor implementation.
“I will like to make an appeal that the 2018 Budget must be passed on time. We do not have time.
If you consider the time left for us as politicians and in line with the timetable released by INEC, you will realise that we have till November 2018 to do what we have to do.
By then, politicians will be engaged in political activities. There will be no time. I am appealing that we pass this budget on time.
This is the last budget we will have to deliver on the dividends of democracy. For those of you coming back, promises will not work; what will work will be the scorecard.
I am begging that it should be passed as quickly as possible. I am also appealing to the executive arm to appear for budget defence.
Intense political activities will begin this February and as public officials, we have to quickly deliver”, he continued.
