The Senate and House of Representatives swiftly passed a N2.17 trillion 2023 supplementary budget on Thursday after President Bola Tinubu requested additional funds to address critical national priorities.

The swift passage of the bill in both chambers reflects the urgency of the spending items outlined by Tinubu, including funds for labor wage adjustments, enhancing security, infrastructure projects, and palliative measures for citizens.

Tinubu submitted the request along with the 2024-2026 Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper last week. The supplementary budget comes on the heels of an earlier N819 billion supplementary budget passed by the Senate in October, which included N500 billion for a palliative package.

Lawmakers emphasized the need to provide funds to pay the recent N210 billion wage award for public sector workers and N5.5 billion for student loans. The supplementary budget aims to enhance the government’s ability to address citizens’ pressing needs and emergency areas without delay.

The expeditious handling and passage of the supplementary appropriation bill reflects lawmakers’ recognition that the additional spending outlined by the president is crucial for the country’s near-term priorities.