Akpabio Advocates for Enhanced Budget Transparency in Senate

On Thursday, during a plenary session, Dr. Godswill Akpabio, the President of the Senate, called on the Senate and House of Representatives to enhance budget transparency. He made this appeal while addressing a motion regarding the review of the legislative procurement process and the establishment of an internal tender board for contract awards.

Akpabio highlighted the necessity for both chambers to understand the budget spending and to initiate procurement reforms. He suggested that a small committee should manage the budget process.

Akpabio also responded to a motion by Senator Sundai Karimi from Kogi West, who argued that creating an internal tender board would strengthen the constitutional autonomy of the National Assembly. However, several senators opposed this motion, raising concerns about the oversight structure of the National Assembly's budget scrutiny.

Senator Bino Yaro from Adamawa South questioned the absence of a budget research office, which he claimed weakens legislative oversight. The discussions underscored the complexities surrounding budget management within the National Assembly.