We’re considering Buhari’s request to approve N23.7 trillion extra-budgetary spending – Lawan

Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, has said the national assembly is already considering a request by President Muhammadu Buhari to approve the N23.7 trillion spent without the greenlight of the legislature.

The president had asked the national assembly to approve the sum, which he said were funds provided by the Central Bank of Nigeria through loans for “emergencies” in the space of 10 years.

Last week, the senate suspended the request after a rowdy session.

Speaking with reporters in Abuja on Tuesday after the signing ceremony of the 2023 budget, Lawan said the assembly is insisting on getting the requisite documents that would enable it to approve the Buhari’s request.

“We are already considering that but let me tell you where the problem is.

“While we are trying to consider and pass the request. We will insist on getting the right documents for our committees to ensure that whatever they advise us to do in the two chambers is based on information and knowledge and not just passing ‘ways and means’ without knowing what it is,” Lawan said.

Meanwhile, at the signing ceremony, Buhari said it would cost the federal government N1.8 trillion in interest, if the national assembly fails to approve the aforementioned sum.