The House of Representatives has referred the revised 2022-2024 medium term expenditure framework to its committee on finance for further legislative actions.
President Muhammadu Buhari submitted the revised MTEF in a letter to the House for consideration and approval.
This revised edition takes into cognizance the effects of the Petroleum Industry Act and other financial realities. He sought the speedy action by the House of Representatives on the communication.
Rep. Nicholas Ossai had moved a point of order seeking for members to have a chance to debate the amendment before rederring it to the House committee on finance as that is necessary before the presentation of the budget by the president.
This position was also re-echoed by the minority leader of the House, Rep. Ndudi Elumelu stating that it was expedient for members to debate the changes in the amendment as it is sure to affect several aspects of life in the constituencies they represent.
The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila stated that order 12, rule 19(1) of the House orders quoted by both Rep. Ossai and Rep. Elumelu covers debate on the budget and not the M-TEF, hence the point of order is anticipatory.
Rep. Onofiok Luke called for members to at least have a copy of the amended MTEF, so they can have an informed position, even if there is no debate on it. This he stated is necessary for them to have an informed position on the 2022 budget proposal to be brought in by the president.
The Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila asked the clerk of the House to ensure the copies of the letter from the president be circulated to members of the House.
