Expect 2024 Supplementary Budget Soon, Tinubu tells NASS
President Bola Tinubu has announced that he will soon send the 2024 Supplementary Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly for consideration and passage.
The announcement was made during his address to a joint session of the National Assembly in the House of Representatives Chambers on Wednesday, marking Nigeria’s 25th anniversary of unbroken democratic rule.
Accompanied by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Senator George Akume, and the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, among others, President Tinubu emphasized the importance of building a nation for future generations.
“Our friends, old and new, to every Nigerian, I say congratulations for 25 years of unbroken democracy. Out of respect, I come to say thank you very much for bringing us to this stage. For building the institution, for building this country,” Tinubu stated.
Reflecting on the role of the National Assembly, Tinubu added, “You are first and foremost leaders that speak for our people. And you have been in the forefront of this institution. The hallowed chambers represent our consciousness for freedom and sense of belonging.”
Tinubu, who began his political career in the National Assembly, acknowledged the importance of the legislative body in his journey to the presidency. “Without this House, probably I may not find the path to the presidency. I started off from here. And that is why I am giving my respect this morning to you, to please continue to collaborate, work together, and build our country,” he said.
President Tinubu urged Nigerians to work together to build the nation, emphasizing self-reliance. “No one, no age, no other institution or personality will help us except we do it ourselves. No amount of aid that may be coming from foreign countries or any other nation, they take care of themselves first. So let us work together to build our nation, not only for us but for generations yet unborn.
“I will soon bring the 2024 Appropriation Bill, that is just for your information. But we must nourish this democracy, build this nation so that the future of our great grandchildren will be sure of prosperity, development and progress,” Tinubu said.
In a significant legislative move, President of the Senate and Chairman of the National Assembly, Godswill Akpabio, announced that President Tinubu has officially signed the National Anthem Bill 2024 into law, thereby reverting to Nigeria’s old national anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee.”
Akpabio noted that Tinubu’s visit was primarily to greet the lawmakers since he came to commission the National Assembly Library building. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, highlighted that the President’s visit also served to flag off the recitation of the new national anthem after signing the bill into law.
“The president has said that whatever speech we have to give should be shifted to June 12, which is Democracy Day. To this effect, the president will flag off the recitation of the new national anthem after giving assent to it and will then proceed to other important engagements,” Tajudeen said.
President Tinubu and his entourage joined members of the National Assembly in singing the new National Anthem, “Nigeria, We Hail Thee,” before the session was adjourned. Following the session, President Tinubu inaugurated the National Assembly Library Complex, which has been named the Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu Building.
