‘National Assembly Are Delaying Projects’ – Buhari Cries Out
President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday lamented that the “tardiness in the passage of budgets by the National Assembly, sometimes lasting seven months,” was a hindrance to project execution by his administration.
Stressing that the delay was affecting completion of projects across the country, Buhari urged the Legislature to put in “more effort to speed up the process.”
He spoke while receiving a delegation of Eminent and Respected citizens of Niger State led by Lt. Gen. Garba Duba (Rtd) at the Presidential Villa, Abuja and was contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina which was sent to us.
Stating that his government’s achievements in ensuring better roads, rails, power and repositioning of the airports were in spite of the delays, Buhari urged the National Assembly to be more understanding and be committed to infrastructural development.
He said, “If the National Assembly takes seven months to pass a budget, then we should be commended for the much that we have achieved, and can still achieve.
“I personally feel very disappointed. I spoke with the leaders of the National Assembly on the issue that seven months is a long time to work on a budget.’’
The President said ongoing efforts to improve the road, and rail networks across the country will be increased as infrastructural development remains paramount for improving the livelihood of Nigerians.
He told the delegation, which includes Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, military and traditional leaders, that his administration will pay more attention to the stretch of 2,150km federal roads in the state.
On security, he said, “We cannot manage our communities and societies without security. A lot of resources is being diverted to provide security instead of going into infrastructural development.’’
The President reassured the delegation that his administration will stay focused on securing lives and property, fighting corruption and stimulating the economy for more progress.
He also stated that the Minister of Agriculture and the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria had been directed to increase monetary supports, through loans, to farmers in the next farming season, and ensure that farmers are not overwhelmed with the traditional demand for collaterals.
“Traditional institutions and families can serve as guarantors because we cannot continue with that colonial style of asking for collaterals that people don’t have,’’ he added.
The President commended the Chinese government for accepting to finance 85 percent of Nigeria’s infrastructural development need.
“I thank you so much for coming. It is a good morale booster for me and the country that a State will bring a strong delegation to show appreciation for our efforts,’’ he said.
