The Senate Committee on Appropriation says it will begin the processing of the 2021 budget estimates on Oct. 16.
Chairman of the Committee, Sen. Barau Jibril (APC Kano), made the disclosure while unveiling the timetable for processing of 2021 budget estimates by the National Assembly.
He said the timetable was harmonised by the Senate and the House of Representatives appropriation commitees.
The Senate on Oct. 15, passed for second reading the N13.08 trillion appropriation estimates presented to joint session of the National Assembly by President Muhammadu Buhari.
Barau said the budget processing exercise would include defence by Chief Executive Officers of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) before the Senate Sub-Commitees and a public hearing.
He said the National Assembly was committed to passing the 2021 appropriation bill before the end of December.
Barau urged the various Senate Sub -Committees to ensure the realisation of passing the bill before end of the year by adhering strictly to the time table.
He said public hearing on the bill would hold from Nov. 9, to Nov. 10, to allow Nigerians ventilate their opinions and make input on it.
According to him the public hearing will be transmitted live on Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) and other National Television stations.
He said submissions of reports by Senate Sub-Committees would be from Nov. 11, to Nov. 18.
He noted that the Appropriation Committee would collate the reports on Nov. 19, for onward presentation to senate at plenary for consideration on Nov. 20
