President sends 2016 budgets of NAN, NNPC, 36 others to NASS

President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday sent 2016 budget proposal of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), NigerianNational Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and 36 other agencies to the Senate for consideration.

The letter accompanying the budget, which was read by President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, at plenary, indicated that the agencies’ budgets were in line with provisions of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007.

The list also contained Nigerian Shippers Council, National Maritime Authority, Raw Materials Research and Development Council, National Sugar Development Council, Nigerian Postal Service, Nigerian Ports Authority and Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria.

Also in the budget are Securities and Exchange Commission, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation, National Communications Commission, National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration and Control and Nigerian Customs Service.

National Broadcasting Commission, National Insurance Commission, Nigerian Copyrights Commission, Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation, Nigerian Immigration Service and Federal Inland Revenue Service are on the list.

Equally listed were Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Federal Housing Authority, Nigerian Television Authority, National Automotive Design and Development Council.

Others are Nigerian Nuclear Regulatory Authority, National Business and Technical Examination Board, Federal Mortgage Board, National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency and Industrial Training Fund.

They agencies also include Corporate Affairs Commission, Standards Organisation of Nigeria as well as Oil and Gas Free Zone Authority.

"Please note that in line with the provisions of the Act, budget of the agencies and corporations which have been privatised or otherwise cease to exist are not included therein.

"May I please pray the senate to expeditiously consider and approve the budget of these agencies and corporations to enable them effectively execute their mandate,’’ Saraki quoted the president’s letter as saying.

Meanwhile, Sen. Dino Melaye (APC-Kogi West) has alerted the Senate absence of due process in some activities of the Central Bank of Nigeria, alleging non-compliance with extant rules by the apex bank.

On a Point-of-Order, Melaye, who read from Order 42 of the 2015 Senate Standing Order, pleaded to be given an opportunity to present a motion to that effect.

"I have some disturbing reasons why the senate has not received report from the CBN with regard to their financial dealings.

"From the report duly signed by CBN Governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, I want to say there has been a lot of non-compliance with the extant rule,’’ Melaye said. (NAN)

In his remarks, President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki, told Melaye that he could present a motion on the issue on another legislative day.