Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, says all COVID-19 safety protocols would be strictly observed during the presentation of 2021 budget estimates by President Muhammadu Buhari.
President Buhari is scheduled to present the 2021 appropriation bill to the joint session of both chambers of the National Assembly on Thursday by 11:00hrs.
Lawan told his colleagues during plenary on Wednesday that, due to the situation of COVID-19, the budget presentation would be abridged and last for one hour.
He said only few Executive members, who are relevant to the budget, will accompany Buhari into the chamber.
The Senate President said: “The joint session normally take place in the chamber of the House of Representatives. It is going to be the same.
“It will take place there but by this time around because of the situation of COVID-19, we have made arrangements to observe social distancing in the chamber.
“We also have to wear our face masks mandatorily.
“We are going to also abridge the entire event because we will be many there.
“So, the entire event will last just about an hour.
“From the entry of the President into the chamber and addresses and the presentation and laying will be just an hour event so that we are able to comply with the requirements of the COVID-19 protocol.
“Mr. President too, this time around, will not be accompanied by many people on the entourage.
“Only few people – very key and relevant to the budget – will accompany Mr. President into the chamber.
“I think by the arrangement, those of them that have little to do with the budget will join virtually.”
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