President Muhammadu Buhari has barred his cabinet ministers and heads of government agencies from embarking on any foreign trip until after their budget defence at the National Assembly.
The directive, according to a statement by the Director of Information Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willie Bassey, is to enable them to attend budget defence session at the National Assembly.
The statement reads: “Sequel to the presentation of the 2020 Appropriation Bill by Mr President to the National Assembly, President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the immediate suspension of international travels by all Cabinet Members and Heads of Government Agencies so as to enable Honourable Ministers personally lead the process of Budget defence at the National Assembly.
“The suspension of such travels will enable Functionaries and Agencies of the Executive Arm to provide the required cooperation with the Legislature in order to ensure timely passage of the Appropriation Bill.
“Honourable Ministers who have already secured approval to travel are by this directive, required to revalidate such approvals with Mr. President after confirming the Schedule of Appearances with the relevant committees of the National Assembly.
Senate President Ahmed Lawan had warned on Thursday that ministers and agencies heads who fail to defend their budget estimates by ending of October will not have a second chance.
Furthermore, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have been directed to liaise with the relevant committees of the National Assembly for their Schedules of Budget defence.”
