Senate receives 2017 budget tomorrow

• Screens acting EFCC boss, Magu

From Fred Itua, Abuja

The Senate will, tomorrow, receive the 2017 Appropriation Bill which is expected to be presented by President Muhammadu Buhari at a joint session of the National Assembly.
Similarly, the Senate is expected to commence hearing on the confirmation of the acting chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu and also pass the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF).

President Buhari, last week, sought the permission of both chambers of the National Assembly to present the 2017 budget before a joint session. He is expected to make the presentation by 10am tomorrow in the Green Chamber.

The President, during the budget presentation, will also unveil his administration’s package for stimulating the country’s economy currently in recession.
Buhari was, on October 6, summoned by both chambers of the National Assembly to brief lawmakers on plans to get the country out of recession.

In his letter, addressed to Saraki, Buhari wrote: “I crave the kind indulgence of the National Assembly to grant me the slot of 1000 hours on Wednesday, the 14th of December, 2016, to formally address a joint session of the National Assembly on the 2017 budget proposal and our plans to get the country out of recession.

“Please extend, Mr Senate President, the assurances of my highest regards to the distinguished senators, as I look forward to addressing the joint session.”

Magu, who was initially billed to appear before the Senate last week, will on Thursday, face lawmakers. Deputy Leader of the Senate, Bala Na’Allah, had last week, blamed the poor attendance of senators as reason for the suspension of hearing on the confirmation of Magu as EFCC chairman.

On the last day before proceeding on end of year holiday, the Senate will receive and consider the report on the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) for 2017-2019.
Other legislative activities expected to engage the lawmakers include the consideration of the committee report on the North East Development Bill 2016, deliberation on the 2016 budget proposals of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), the Nigeria Customs Service and the Postal Service of Nigeria, among others.

The Senate will also inaugurate the Legislative Compliance Committee and hold Public Hearing on Consumer Protection Act (repeal) and to establish the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission Bill 2016 on Thursday.