Buhari Bans Ministers From Foreign Trips Over 2020 Budget

President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered all Ministers and Head of Government Agencies not to leave the country until they have defended the 2020 budget.

Naija News reports that Buhari had on Tuesday presented the 2020 national budget estimated at N10.3trillion to a joint sitting of the National Assembly.

A statement by the Director of Information Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Willie Bassey, said the suspension of foreign trips will enable Functionaries and Agencies of the Executive Arm to provide the required cooperation with the Legislature.

According to the statement, all Ministers and Heads of Government Agencies must liaise with the National Assembly for their schedule of budget defence.

The statement reads: “Sequel to the presentation of the 2020 Appropriation Bill by Mr 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 so as to enable Honourable Ministers personally lead the process of Budget defence at the National Assembly.

“The suspension of such travels will enable Functionaries and Agencies of the Executive Arm to provide the required cooperation with the Legislature in order to ensure timely passage of the Appropriation Bill.

“Honourable Ministers who have 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.

Furthermore, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have been directed to liaise with the relevant committees of the National Assembly for their Schedules of Budget defence.”