Nigerian lawmakers have approved the national budget in both houses of parliament after a five-month delay, in a move that is hoped will kick-start the country's flagging economy. 

The budget of 7.5 trillion naira ($24bn; £19bn) was passed in both the House of Representatives and The Senate. 

It was slightly higher than the expenditure first put forward by President Muhammadu Buhari in December.

The budget can now be signed into law by the president.

President Buhari left Nigeria on Sunday to take medical leave in the UK for an undisclosed illness, leaving Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo in charge.

Nigeria is in its second year of recession brought on by low oil prices which have slashed government revenues, weakened the naira currency and caused chronic dollar shortages.