The Senate President Ahmad Lawan said the National Assembly will pass the 2023 Appropriation Bill of N20.5 trillion before the end of December, 2022.
He made this known at a reception organised in his honour as a recipient of the National honour award of Grand Commander of the Order of Niger (GCON).
In his speech, Lawan said that by Wednesday, the Senate would begin debate on the bill.
“Tomorrow we will start the debate on the 2023 appropriation bill. Like we did before for the three previous sessions, we are going to pass it before the end of December.
“We are purposeful and we are focused. It’s not for nothing that the presidency decided to give us 12 honours.
“They know our contribution to not only the administration of good governance but also stability of the polity.
“I strongly believe that the national assembly of today has provided so much inputs into political stability in Nigeria because our records are there.
“People can look at what we have done and also those things that we didn’t do. I believe that our colleagues in the 9th senate worked so hard.”
On the number of female senators, the senate president said: “We don’t know why the number is small but they have capacity. These are very experienced legislators.
“We wish to see more female legislators. It is only logical that you get more or half of the population than we have today,” he said.
On the national honour, Lawan said that it was a special day for the National Assembly.
“The number of recipients from the Senate this time is the highest. Every senator deserves the award.”
He said that his fellow colleagues were his good friends who ensured that the productivity in the senate rose.
“We judiciously agreed that anything that will be good for Nigerians, we will do it.
“By the time we are leaving in 2023, we will leave with our heads high.”
In a goodwill message, the Senate Leader Ibrahim Gobir hailed the senate president on the receipt of the award.
He said that Lawan had proven that he was a role model to many.
“You have done quite a lot. The Senate will continue to remember you forever for what you have done.”
On his part, Sen. George Sekibo (PDP-Rivers) while showering praises on Lawan said that’: “If there is anything higher than this you still merit it.
“Since 1999, you have worked tirelessly. You are one of my mentors who is committed to service and loyalty.
“If anyone will claim success in this administration, you are one of them. The honour fits you. There are many opportunities, keep at it,” Sekibo said.
Another recipient of the award, Sen. Sani Musa, Chairman Senate Committee on Services, received an award of the Commander of Order of Niger (CON).
He said: “The honour came at the right under the tutelage of the senate president.
“The senate president has taught us to be dedicated to the job. I owe this award to him.
“The award will spur us to do more,” Musa said.
Recall that the 2023 budget tagged “Budget of Fiscal Sustainability and Transition” was presented by President Muhammadu Buhari before a joint session of the National Assembly last week Friday.
