By Paschal Emeka, Abuja / posted November 2, 2022

The Oil and Gas Free Zones Authority (OGFZA) has defended it 2023 budget estimates before the House of Representatives Committee on Commerce and industry at the National Assembly complex Abuja.

The Managing Director of the Authority, Senator Tijjani Yahaya Kaura, during the budget defense session informed the Committee of the demise of his best friend, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Chairman in Zamfara State, as the reason he would not be available to defend the over N4 billion 2023 budget proposals before the Committee because he will be proceeding to Gusau to witness his funeral rites.

Responding, the chairman House Committee on Commerce, Hon Femi Fakeye, commiserated with the Managing Director over the loss, and granted his request to enable him travel to Gusau for the rites.

Appraisal report on the utilization of the 2022 budgetary allocations for the authority was presented by the head of Finance and Accounts of the authority.

The Committee however requested for the nominal role of the agency and receipts of revenues collected in 2022 before the sitting was subsequently adjourned.