Minister to Obi: 2023 supplementary budget not insensitive

The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, has lashed out at the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, over his comments on the N2.17 trillion 2023 supplementary budget signed into law by President Bola Tinubu on Wednesday.

Obi had said Tinubu failed to consider certain emergencies and pressing needs of the country.

He stated that going by the manner the budgetary allocations were done, it was obvious the president was unaware of the dire crisis in the country.

However, Idris, in a statement issued by his Special Assistant (Media), Rabiu Ibrahim, on Thursday, November 9, said the 2023 supplementary budget is not insensitive, but rather a bold and pragmatic response to the pressing and economic challenges Nigeria currently faces.

The minister urged Obi to take the time and effort to acquaint himself with the details of the N2.17 trillion 2023 supplementary budget, which he said includes allocations for essential sectors – security, agriculture and food security, works and housing, wage increase for workers, student loan scheme and social safety nets, among others.

READ ALSO: Tinubu signs N2.17trn 2023 supplementary budget into law

He noted that the allocations were aimed at strengthening the country’s economic foundations and improve the living conditions of Nigerians.

“The broad provisions in the supplementary budget is a reflection of President Tinubu’s strong desire and eagerness to support the vital functions of government, address urgent security needs, and fast-track the country’s recovery process from the economic impact occasioned by the removal of fuel subsidy,” Idris added.

The minister further urged opposition parties to “be informed and balanced in the exercise of their right to differing opinions and refrain from misrepresentation of facts for political gains”.

The minister stressed that the supplementary budget was derived from the active engagement and consultation with relevant stakeholders who ensured that the budgetary provisions aligned with the needs and expectations of Nigerians.

Idris added that, in line with President Tinubu’s inclination to accountability and transparency in government expenditure, all items in the supplementary budget have been meticulously scrutinised to ensure efficient utilisation of public funds.

The Star