President Jonathan bans upward review of budget
Lawan Hamidu, Abuja.  

President Goodluck Jonathan has banned all Ministries ,Departments and Agencies from seeking a review of their budget proposals from the National Assembly.

The Minister of Information Mr. Labaran Maku  said in Abuja that the Federal Executive Council took the decision to stop the distortion such a review causes in the yearly approved budget implementation.

Mr. Maku  stated that if there was a need for the Ministries, Departments and Agencies to seek for a review of their Budget proposals , that must be done through the Federal Executive Council.

``This practice has been distorting the way our budgets are implemented. Today, the FEC resolved that if there is any MDA that has any urgent need to review the estimates that the Mr President has placed before NASS, that MDA or parastatal must follow the normal process of getting back to the Ministry of Finance for approval,” Maku said

Similarly, Maku said FEC had put all the ministers on notice that as soon as the budget was passed and assented to, they should fast-track its implementation.
 
He said the president specifically directed that all projects that required council’s approval should be passed not later than June to ensure prompt implementation.
 
He said the meeting also reiterated that there would be no extension of the financial year beyond December 31, 2012.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Government has approved the construction of a Monument Resort to be located in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, to mark the Nigeria’s Centenary celebration in 2014.

Briefing Correspondents, the Minister of Culture, Tourism and National Orientation Mr. Edem Duke said the decision was a starting block of the content for the commemoration of Nigeria’s nationhood.

He explained that “the ``iconic’’ resort which would span about 300 hectares, would contain with its confine as a mini Nigeria will accommodate national monument, recreation and entertainment facilities as well as other commercial activities and will be an inspirational destination which the was long in need of.”
 
Mr. Duke said council took the decision following due consideration of the preliminary report of a committee set up for the centenary celebration.

Also speaking, the Minister of Information Mr. Labaran Maku said a Special Committee has been set up to plan the orderly execution of some projects towards the celebration.

Mr. Maku said the council decided that the projects should be private sector driven, to encourage private participation and reduce government spending.

These projects which cut across several sectors, especially tourism, must be properly planned and funding sourced in good time to ensure success”  Maku added.

Ugo