Prior to the presentation of the 2020 Appropriation Bill to the National Assembly, President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered for the immediate suspension of international travels of all Cabinet Members and Heads of Government Agencies as to enable ministers personally lead the process of budget defence at the National Assembly.
This was revealed via a communique released by Willie Bassey, director of information, office of Secretary to the Government of the Federation.
The communique noted that the suspension of International 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,” the statement read.
