Nigeria President Muhammadu Buhari has presented the 13 Trillion Naira 2021 Budget to the National Assembly in Abuja the nation’s capital.
President Muhammadu Buhari commenced presentation of the 2021 Appropriation Bill to a Joint session of the National Assembly.
AUTHENTIC NEWS GIANT learnt that Buhari arrived the National Assembly premised by exactly 11.01am and was received by the Clerk to the National Assembly, Arc Ojo Olatunde Amos, who led him through the basement door into the House of Representatives Chambers.
Meanwhile this is the first time Buhari would enter the National Assembly through the basement door.
Security operatives took strategic positions to ensure a hitch free budget presentation.
Only a few officials, including the Minister of Finance, Secretary to the Government of the Federation Boss Mustapha; Chief of Staff, Amb. Ibrahim Gambari accompanied the President into the Chambers
AUTHENTIC observed that there was more deployment of officers of the Department of State Services, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps, the Federal Road Safety Corps and sergeants-at-arms, who manned strategic points.
While shops and other private businesses including banks and restaurants are closed for the day, only a few workers are allowed in.
They are to wear a special accreditation tag along with their identity cards.
Those allowed to enter, including journalists, have their names confirmed on the lists provided at three points.
Only journalists from television stations, who will broadcast the event live, are allowed into the House of Representatives chamber.
President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, said the National Assembly is ready to pass the 2021 Appropriation Bill before the end of 2020.
Lawan made this known in his opening remarks before Buhari was called to lay the national budget before the joint session of the National Assembly.
“The National Assembly is ready to pass the 2021 budget before the end of the year, by the grace of God,” Lawan said.
Members of the Senate are to move to the House chamber which is larger and usually used for joint sessions.
