AGF seeks upward review of ministry’s budget

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) has urged the National Assembly to review upward the 2017 budget allocation for the Ministry.

Malami made the appeal yesterday in Abuja during budget defence at the National Assembly.

He said the total allocation of N6.914 billion is inadequate to execute the Ministry’s programmes for 2017 following its additional responsibilities.

The Minister said this arose due to the passage of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 as well as the increase in the quantum of other activities currently being pursued by the Ministry.

“This amount is undeniably, grossly inadequate, and will unfortunately stretch my Ministry’s capacity to cope to the maximum in the light of prevailing realities”, he said.

Speaking, the Chairman, House Committee on Legal Matters, Razak Olatunde Atunwa disclosed that it is the legislative duty of the House to examine the performance of the 2016 budget, look into the 2017 proposed budget as it relates to the Federal Ministry of Justice and ensure a veritable proposal on decisions made to promote the interest of the justice sector and most especially, its importance to the anticorruption drive of the present administration.

He agreed that underfunding would be a hindrance to performance and the success of the Ministry and pledged the Committee’s efforts to look into the budget.