Hafizu Kawu, a member of the House of Representatives representing Tarauni constituency, has stated that there has never been a government in Nigeria’s history that has achieved 100 percent budget implementation except that of President Muhammadu Buhari.
On Friday, Buhari presented the National Assembly with the N20.51 trillion budget for 2023.
In an interview with BizPoint on Saturday, Kawu stated that no government in Nigeria had implemented 100% capital projects like Buhari’s.
The lawmaker went on to say that every year, all capital projects in the budget were fully implemented, boasting that no administration had ever done so before.
According to Kawu, the Ministry of Finance has already released more than 90% of the funds required to carry out projects in major sectors such as agriculture, construction, and housing, as well as education.
“As a result, I’m confident that most of the projects prioritized by Buhari in the budget will see the light of day.” I am confident that some of them will be completed while funding is obtained, as we have historically borrowed to fund the budget.
“There is always portrayed as a result of oil theft and pipeline vandalism by economic saboteurs.” “I am confident that the budget will be funded before the administration’s expiration date of May 29,” Kawu said.
The lawmaker also stated that since the beginning of his administration, Buhari has been able to complete massive projects by diligently implementing budgets.
“If you look at the budget components, they go to infrastructure development, education, and debt servicing,” he explained. As you are aware, we have incurred significant debt in order to transform the infrastructure sector, particularly the railway, power, and roads.
“That has been the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari’s primary focus since its inception.” These massive projects have been underway since the Buhari administration took office. In fact, most projects, such as the second Niger bridge, the Lagos-Kano rail line, and the reconstruction of the Abuja-Kano road, have taken a long time to complete. So, these are the highlights of the major projects that the Buhari administration has prioritized; hence, the budget of consolidation and transition. It would be advantageous to the incoming administration.
“In Nigerian history, only President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has implemented 100 percent capital projects.” All of the capital projects included in the budget had been completed completely.
“Like now, we have over 90% releases in the major sectors of agriculture, works, housing, and education.” So far, the Ministry of Finance has handled the majority of the releases.
As a result, I’m confident that the majority of the projects prioritized by Buhari in the budget will see the light of day. I am confident that some of them will be completed while funding is obtained, as we have historically borrowed to fund the budget. Oil theft and pipeline vandalism by economic saboteurs are always depicted. “I am confident that the budget will be funded before the administration’s expiration date of May 29,” he said.
On the relationship between the House of Representatives and the executive, Kawu stated that “every year, the house is presented with the appropriation bill to look at it and make some amendments,” adding that “the house has to make sure that all the amendments are in line with the president Muhammadu Buhari’s administration’s economic recovery and growth plan.”
“So, the house does a lot in terms of ensuring that the appropriation is in line with the provisions of the constitution and worked accordingly to ensure that it would bring succour to Nigerians,” he stressed.
According to Kawu, the house would assist President Muhammadu Buhari in achieving his three agendas, which include fighting corruption, improving the economy, and ensuring security, all of which were accomplished during Buhari’s administration.
“The House has done a lot to help this administration.” There has never been a more cordial relationship between an administration and the National Assembly than this one. That is why the National Assembly is dubbed a rubber stamp. We are not a rubber stamp; rather, we want Nigerians to feel the government’s impact. That is why we try to work together to ensure that these goals are met,” Kawu explained.
