By Aaron Ossai
The National Assembly and the Executive arm of government have expressed their commitments to work together and address the gaps between the budget process, implementation and the objectives of National Development plans.
They also promised to ensure proper linkage and coordination to achieve the quest for Nigeria’s development.
This was disclosed by the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu, the Chairman, House Committee on National Planning and Economic Development, his Senate counterpart, Senator Musa Mustapha in their separate remarks at the second day of the Two-Day National Policy Dialogue being held in Abuja on Wednesday.
The Dialogue with the Theme: “The Imperatives Of National Development Plan And Effective Budgeting System For Sustainable Growth Of The Nigerian Economy” was organised by the National Assembly Joint Committee On National Planning And Economic Affairs/Development in partnership with the Offices of the Vice President, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, the Minister of Finance and the Budget Office of the Federation.
In his address, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu noted that, without the support of the National Assembly, the reforms that have been undertaken by the administration wouldn’t have been possible.
“Let me appreciate the support that the Committees and also the National Assembly as a body has given to the reforms that have taken place in the last three years, because by every stretch of imagination, they are bold, they are courageous, they are difficult choices and as those whose daily function involves interaction with these constituencies and having to explain, having to defend, one has to appreciate”, he said.
He however informed that, planning is a constitutional responsibility of every person in authority in Nigeria which must not toyed with if the country is to make a meaningful development.
Senator Bagudu added, “National planning in Nigeria is mandated and obligated by the Constitution. The further ingredients of the national plan are a whole chapter in our constitution, chapter two of our constitution, fundamental objectives and directive principles of state. It clearly stated that Nigeria is a constitutional federation.
“Section 13, which is the first section of another fundamental objectives and directive principles of state, is a command to all those in authority to work together, observe, and seek to conform to the fundamental objectives or directive principles of state.
“The constitution clearly stated that all those in authority, including legislative, judicial, and executive, have to work together. Equally, the president, vice president, national assembly members, the governance, state assembly members, the office they swore to, the wordings are dictated by the constitution”, he added.
