In the context of the 2024 budget presentation, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has underscored the imperative of meeting the needs of the Nigerian populace and forging a new trajectory for the nation. His remarks during the unveiling of the 2024 appropriation bill by President Bola Tinubu reflected a resolute stance on addressing the prevalent challenges faced by millions of Nigerians.
Speaker Abbas articulated, “We cannot afford to fail Nigerians, considering the arduous circumstances many of them endure. Our responsibility is to swiftly and sustainably ameliorate their plight.” He further expressed unwavering confidence in President Tinubu’s ability to effect substantial change, asserting, “If anyone can change the rot and chart a new course for Nigeria, it is you.”
The Speaker’s prompting of the legislative body to view the budget as a manifestation of their unified determination to attend to the pressing needs of the citizenry reflects a purposeful zeal towards economic and social advancement. He underscored that social welfare programmes, poverty alleviation, and youth empowerment are paramount focal points that demand prioritization. Moreover, he stressed the pivotal significance of investing in education, healthcare, and infrastructure to bolster human capital development and economic growth.
Addressing the issue of public debt, Speaker Abbas delineated the National Assembly’s resolve to integrate sustainable debt management strategies into the 2024 budget. He advocated the implementation of measures to augment revenue generation, control expenditure, and enhance fiscal policies’ efficacy and acceptance among the public. Moreover, he urged revenue-generating agencies to redouble their efforts in order to achieve the N18 trillion revenue projection.
The Speaker’s impassioned plea for a cohesive and strategic approach to the 2024 budget encapsulates a collective resolve to steer Nigeria towards a trajectory of prosperity and well-being, whilst efficaciously manoeuvring within the confines of available resources.
