Leadership of the Nigeria upper legislative arm, Senate President, Ahmad Lawan on Tuesday disclosed that the country is faced with a whopping $14 billion revenue gap, a situation the president describes as “it is not what one expects it to be”.

Lawan said this during his welcome address after the chamber resumed seating from a two-month recess, he urged all hands of concerned individuals to be on deck to salvage the situation.

While the hallowed chamber expects the 2021 budget from the executive next week, the senate president calls for the country to diversify from the crude oil – the nation’s main revenue source to other steams of income such as agriculture and solid minerals.

Lawan hinted the there will be a month window period for Ministries, Departments and Agencies, (MDAs) to defend their budgets adding that priority will be given to the review of the 1999 constitution that would set the pace for free and credible elections.

“Today our country is beset with multi-faceted security challenges, over $14 billion revenue gap and the grim reality of over dependence on oil.

“All hands must be on deck to arrest the situation in diversifying into agriculture, solid minerals, Stella development and manufacturing.

“The Executive will be presenting the 2021 budget estimates next week, and one month window in October will be given for budget defence by Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs.

“The Senate will be giving attention reviewing the 1999 Constitution review and reforms that will lead to free, fair and credible elections”, Lawan said.