By Anthony Ogbonna

The National Assembly, Monday, began a  joint public hearing on the 2017 National Budget, the first of its kind in Nigeria. The  #2017budget hearing takes place from Today, Monday the 13th of February to Wednesday 15th February 2017.

According to the Senate, the #BudgetHearing aims at making the National Budgeting process an all inclusive activity for Nigerians as well as create room for analysis, discourse and enlightenment on the basic recommendation and budget policies of the Nation.

Joint public hearing on 2017 budget

The hearing will also shape discourse on fiscal, financial and economic assumptions used as basis in arriving at total estimated expenditure.

#BudgetHearing. Welcome to a joint session of the National Assembly on the 2017 National Budget Hearing. pic.twitter.com/lwfV4jc36g

— Nigerian Senate (@NGRSenate) 13 February 2017

“The forum on #BudgetHearing will be used for the collation of views and positions with a view to making general Legislative contribution.”

“The 2017 #BudgetHearing will provide a think tank and research base to help @nassnigeria in planning toward sustainable development. Importantly, the #BudgetHearing will entrench openness, transparency, accountability & effectiveness in the Legislative Budgeting process.”

While delivering his speech, Senate President, Bukola Saraki said that the Public hearing of #2017budget is the first of its kind and is also coming at a crucial stage. Saraki noted that the Country is at a critical stage in its National Development and thus welcomed the idea of the #BudgetHearing.

Also, the Hon. Minister of state for budget and planning Aisha Shamsuna Ahmed, while making her remark, said that “Effort has been made to ensure the #2017Budget is in line with the recovery & growth plan. The #2017Budget is designed to expand the capacity between the public and the Private sector”

Joint public hearing on 2017 budget

Also speaking on the public hearing of the budget, Former Deputy Governor of @cenbank and CEO of CEPER, Mr. Obadia Meilafia said “If you’re facing a recession you have to assemble an army of experts to monitor all key sectors.”

Meilafia said the Naira will continue to plunge further until we are bold in economic policies, infrastructure & monitoring. He added that “Nigeria’s fall in grace started from the railway collapse.”

Because recessions can trigger financial crises and political upheaval, the Senate decided that budgetary process should be structured to ensure rapid recovery.