Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, late Monday afternoon signed the 2017 budget of N7.441 trillion into law, this confirming News Express’ exclusive story of early afternoon.

The event, witnessed by Senate President Bukola Saraki and House Speaker Yakubu Dogara, among other top government functionaries, took place in the Aso Presidential Villa hours after Osinbajo was directed to sign the budget by President Muhammadu Buhari, currently on extended sick leave in London.

Buhari, according to Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, observed that it is in the interest of the nation’s economy for Acting President Osinbajo to sign the 2017 Appropriation Bill into law.

In a statement issued in Abuja, Shehu quoted Buhari as saying that “the signing of the budget by the acting president would further buttress unity at the highest level of government.”

Shehu also stated that the President was delighted over the decision of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) to submit 2018 budget proposals by October, while the National Assembly would conclude the Appropriation process by December 2017.

He said: “Following the receipt of full brief on the 2017 Appropriation Bill as passed by the National Assembly, and to buttress the unity at the highest level of government, President Muhammadu Buhari has indicated that it is in the interest of the nation’s economy for the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, to sign the Appropriation Bill into law.

“The President also said he was pleased by the joint resolution that the Executive would submit next year’s budget proposals by October 2017.”