By Teddy Nwanunobi
Abuja (Sundiata Post) — President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians of the readiness of his administration to ensure “a smooth and speedy passage of the 2017 Budget”.
Buhari, who completed his first week at work last week, since returning to the country, after more than 50 days of absence due to an undisclosed illness, spent the week catching up with briefs.
“Last week was my first week at work after my vacation.
“I spent the week catching up by getting briefings, and presiding over meetings on the economy and security.
“I also met with the legislature; we are jointly committed to ensuring a smooth and speedy passage of the 2017 Budget, for the good of Nigeria.
“In the days and weeks ahead you will hear more about the fruits of the painstaking and determined efforts of this administration to bring true change to your lives as Nigerians,” he promised.
Below were Buhari’s schedule last week:
On Monday, he resumed officially, and received handover briefing from the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo; he covered the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), the Niger Delta Dialogue, the newly-launched National Action Plan for Ease of Doing Business, newly-launched MSME Clinics, and others.
On Tuesday, he received briefing from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Godwin Emefiele, on Nigeria’s liquidity situation, external reserves, and outlook for the rest of 2017.
He also met with the duo of the Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, on the 2017 Budget and other issues.
On Wednesday, he presided over the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting.
On Thursday, he met with the ministers of Finance and Budget & National Planning to discuss the economy, 2017 Budget and liquidity issues.
Still on Thursday, he met with state governors, who were in Abuja for the monthly National Economic Council (NEC) meeting.
On the same day, Buhari approved the release of the 2nd Tranche of London-Paris Club Refunds to state governments.
His first week at work ended on Friday with security briefings.
