From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris Malagi, has expressed the optimism that the 2024 budget of N27.5 trillion will mark transformative era in the country once it is passed by the National Assembly.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had on Wednesday presented the first full year budget of his administration to the National Assembly.
However, in an address during the opening ceremony of the Annual Public Lecture/AGM/Awards & Election of the Kaduna State Chapter, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations, the Minister noted that the budget signified pivotal step towards the realisation of President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Just this week, he presented the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N27.5 trillion to the National Assembly, the first full-year budget of his administration. The budget as presented signifies a pivotal step towards the realization of his Renewed Hope Agenda, by aligning fiscal strategies and priorities with broader national development objectives.
“In addition to its focus on development priorities, the budget demonstrates a commitment to fiscal responsibility. President Tinubu’s administration recognizes the importance of prudent financial management as the foundation for long-term economic stability.
“As the 2024 Appropriation Bill moves through the legislative process, we are very optimistic that its passage will mark the beginning of a transformative era, bringing tangible improvements to the lives of Nigerians. Before this week’s budget presentation, President Tinubu had assented to an equally important supplementary budget, signed a number of landmark Bills and Executive Orders into law, and inaugurated special presidential initiatives on fiscal policy reform, compressed natural gas (CNG), food security, MSME support, and other critical areas of the economy. The goal has been to deliver relief to the Nigerian people, and lay the groundwork for true and lasting prosperity.”
The Minister also expressed the readiness of the ministry to support the development of NIPR, of which he is a member.
He said, “Let me address a most germane issue that I am very familiar with, which has to do with the need for a permanent secretariat for the Kaduna Chapter of the NIPR. I am committed to supporting the effort to ensure that this is realized in a timely fashion.”