President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, on Wednesday declared open a two-day public hearing on the 2020 budget which was presented to the National Assembly early this month.

The National Budget Hearing on the 2020 budget is jointly convened by the Senate and House of Representatives Committees on Appropriation.

Declaring the public hearing open, the Senate President said the public hearing is aimed at accommodating the suggestions and inputs of critical stakeholders with a view to adding value to legislation through the channels of inclusion and public engagement.

He added that the successful implementation of a nation’s annual budget depends on increased participation by stakeholders, and awareness and education of citizens.

“The importance of the Budget proposal in national development cannot therefore be overemphasized. This is the reason why inputs have to be all inclusive as we are now set to do.

“We understand that the Budget proposal is about fiscal targets, resource allocation, public expenditure policy, productivity and efficiency. We also understand that the process is one of passage, mobilization and execution.

“For them to work well however, we have to have increased participation, which also amounts to empowerment in the realm of information, awareness and education.

“An improved understanding most times comes through exchange of ideas. It comes in a process of agreement and disagreement. Better awareness or an expansion of thoughts could also come through purposeful interactions.

“Other than this is the fact that public hearing is a legislative tool of participation. Through it, we engage with critical stakeholders and the public, either separately or collectively.”

He added that, “The overall essence is not just engagement or consultation, but also for the greater good of the people.”

Lawan said the collective decision of the ninth Assembly to revert to the January-December budget cycle as provided in the 1999 Constitution as amended, stemmed from the need to achieve a predictable economic framework for Nigeria.

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