The National Assembly leadership has issued fresh COVID-19 guidelines for the members of the executive arm of the government ahead of Thursday’s presentation of 2021 Appropriation Bill by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The President is expected to present the 2021 national budget estimates to the joint session of the federal parliament.
Speaking during Wednesday’s plenary, the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, disclosed that joint session would take place in the chamber of the House of Representatives under strict observance of COVID-19 protocols.
According to him, some ministers and other presidential aides would not be allowed into the chamber, in a bid to the observation of social distancing; one of the guidelines by the PTF for curbing the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said, “This time around because of the situation of COVID-19 pandemic, we have made arrangements to observe social distancing in the chamber.
“We also have to wear or 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.
“This is done so that we would be able to comply with the requirements of the COVID-19 protocol.
“Mr. President this time around will not be accompanied by many people on the entourage.
“Only a 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 what will happen,” Mr Lawan said.
