Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas has challenged government Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to facilitate increased citizen participation in the budget process.
Abbas stated this on Monday during a one-day citizens’ town hall meeting on the 2024 Appropriation Bill in Abuja.
Abbas pointed out that the House has taken the initiative in promoting greater citizen participation in the budget process.
He explained that the House would revisit the Fiscal Responsibility Act (FRA) of 2007 in order to reinforce its provisions for improving access to information and public consultation during the budget cycle.
According to him, the presence of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and development partners at the town hall meeting demonstrated the importance of democracy.
The Speaker added that it also demonstrated the power of the people to participate actively in governance and decision-making processes.
He encouraged them to carefully analyse the 2024 budget, which President Bola Tinubu delivered to the National Assembly.
“As representatives of the people, it is our duty to ensure that the annual appropriation reflects the needs and aspirations of every Nigerian citizen.
“We are acutely aware that so many Nigerians are grappling with the challenges of soaring inflation,’’ he said.
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