Senator Stella Oduah Responds to Budget Presentation of President Muhammadu Buhari

The Senator representing Anambra-North Senatorial District in the 8^th Senate today commented on the draft appropriation bill of the 2016 budget.

Senator Oduah in a statement made available to reporters after President

Muhammadu Buhari delivered the budget to both houses of the National Assembly commended President Buhari on what she referred to as a “Very robust and seemingly thorough and well-thought out budget” and said that she hoped that this draft version addresses many of the economic and security situations that Nigerians are currently facing.

Additionally, Oduah stated that the budget addressing issues in rural communities is a big joy for her and she hoped that 2016 would set a new path for the country, as the President’s address seemed to touch on areas that include the boosting of oil and non-oil revenues; the more efficient collection and enforcement of VAT and customs duties; and the subsidized funding of the agricultural and solid mineral sectors.

Oduah also harped on the employment situation in the country, and urged Mr. President to take significant steps to address the problem.

“The young people of Nigeria need to be our focus moving forward,” Oduah said, “We need to ensure that the energy of our present generation of youth is put to good use in the furtherance of the Nigerian project.”

Oduah further hoped that with the swift passage of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper, the 8^th National Assembly still have that zeal and commitment ready to move speedily to pass the 2016 Appropriation Bill.

In his remarks at the National Assembly, President Buhari assured Nigerians that his administration would not fall short. Senate President Bukola Saraki also reassured the lawmakers that the 8th National Assembly will continue to discharge their oversight responsibilities.