Buhari suspends Ministers from foreign trips for budget defence

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered the suspension of foreign
trips for Ministers and Head of Government Agencies.

The directive, according to a statement by the Director of
Information Office of the Secretary to the Government of the
Federation, Willie Bassey, is to enable them attend budget defence
session at the National Assembly.

Senate President Ahmed Lawan had warned on Thursday that
ministers and agencies heads who fail to defend their budget
estimates by ending of October will not have a second chance.

The statement reads: “Sequel to the presentation of the 2020
Appropriation Bill by Mr President to the National Assembly,
President Muhammadu Buhari has directed the immediate suspension of
international travels by all Cabinet Members and Heads of
Government Agencies so as to enable Honourable Ministers personally
lead the process of Budget defence at the National Assembly.

“The suspension of such travels will enable Functionaries and
Agencies of the Executive Arm to provide the required cooperation
with the Legislature in order to ensure timely passage of the
Appropriation Bill.

“Honourable Ministers who have already secured approval to
travel are by this directive, required to revalidate such approvals
with Mr. President after confirming the Schedule of Appearances
with the relevant Committees of the National Assembly.

Furthermore, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs)
have been directed to liaise with the relevant committees of the
National Assembly for their Schedules of Budget defence.”

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