By Odunewu Segun
President Muhammadu Buhari has finally presented to the National Assembly the 2017 budget themed ‘Budget of Recovery and Growth’
The presentation which is still on going as at the time of compiling this report saw the president presenting a budget estimates of N7.298 trillion predicated on an oil benchmark of $42.5 per barrel to a joint session of the House.
In his address, the President told the lawmakers that his administration will focus on rapid infrastructural development for the country. He also assured that the government will continue to priortise defence spending. ” We will enhance public service delivery, capital expenditure to take 30 per cent of the budget,” the President added
The President arrived at the National Assembly around 1:58pm and was received by the Senate President, Bukola Saraki; and the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, when he entered the chamber.
After the opening prayers some minutes after 2pm, Saraki set the tone for the presentation and called for closer ties between the legislature and executive, and transparency in the budget process.