Following the presidential directive that ministers and other heads of MDAs should remain in the country, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF) has explained that it is to ensure that they are available for budget defence when they are invited by the National Assembly.
According to the OSGF the directive will enable functionaries and agencies of the executive arm to provide the required cooperation with the legislature in order to ensure the timely passage of the Appropriation Bill.
The Director Information, Office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF), Willie Bassey, said the order was with immediate effect.
“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 the timely passage of the Appropriation Bill,” he said.
But 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 have been directed to liaise with the relevant committees of the National Assembly for their schedules of budget defence.”
