Williams Anuku Abuja
Sequel to the presentation of the 2020 Appropriation Bill by the 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.
The directive became necessary to enable Ministers personally lead the process of Budget defence at the National Assembly.
A statement by the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on Friday, in Abuja attributed the suspension of such travels to enable Functionaries and Agencies of the Executive Arm provide the required cooperation with the Legislature in order to ensure timely passage of the Appropriation Bill.
The statement noted that Ministers who had 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.
The SGF also added that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) are hereby directed to liaise with the relevant committees of the National Assembly for their Schedules of Budget defence.
