By Olusegun Lawrence
Senate President Bukola Saraki Tuesday read a letter from Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, requesting amendment to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) 2016 Statutory Appropriation Act.
The letter read at plenary specifically requested the Upper Chamber to extend the operational period of the Appropriation Act to April 30, 2017.
Osinbajo noted that the Bill, which was assented to on 29th of August, 2016 and due to terminate on 31st December, 2016, needed to be extended beyond December, 2016 to allow for full implementation.
Osinbajo’s letter reads, “I have the honour to seek Senate’s approval to extend the application of the Federal Capital Territory Administration 2016 Statutory Appropriation Act until April 30, 2017.
“It would be recalled that the 2016 FCT Appropriation was assented to on August 29, 2016, a fact that affected its implementation in respect of capital projects and other expenditure.
“In this connection, numerous payments for critical and essential projects are now outstanding.
“To meet its obligation and as permissible by the Constitution, the FCT 2016 Appropriation needs to be extended to April 30 to enable the FCT make payments for various critical and essential ongoing projects.
“This will ensure better performance in the implementation of projects for the 2016 statutory appropriation,.”
