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Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has signed the N840.6 billion budget for the 2024 fiscal year into law during the last State Executive Council (SEC) meeting for 2023 held at the Exco Chamber of the Government House in Uyo, the state capital. The budget, known as the ‘ARISE Agenda,’ aims to effectively execute the administration’s blueprint.
According to the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Comrade Iniobong Ememobong, the endorsement of this financial appropriation is intended to provide unobstructed access to funds for relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to support various people-oriented projects in 2024.
The signing ceremony, witnessed by several notable figures including the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Elder Udeme Otong, the Clerk, Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, and other principal officers of the House, marked the budget’s approval. It comprises N352.737 billion for recurrent expenditure and a capital estimate of N487.895 billion, culminating in a total budget size of N840,632,409,990.
During the SEC meeting, the Commissioner for Finance said that the bill, as passed by the House, underwent necessary adjustments during legislative engagements. These adjustments were discussed during the legislative processes before the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Uko Udom, presented the bill for the Governor’s endorsement.
Ememobong expressed the Governor’s appreciation for the collective effort that facilitated the swift yet detailed work leading to the timely passage and subsequent signing of the budget. Additionally, the SEC addressed several other key issues, including the ratification of a contract award for the reclamation and construction of ravine control facilities at Etim Umanah Street and environs, along with emergency intervention works at two gully erosion sites within the Uyo metropolis.
The Commissioner further highlighted updates from various departments: the Commissioner for Education, Dr Idongesit Etiebet, reported the disbursement of a N394 million subvention for the first term of 2023/2024. This included the Education Trust Fund (ETF) for students with disabilities, where N32 million out of the earmarked N100 million had been utilised. The production of one million exercise books, uniforms, and shoes for pupils in public primary schools is ongoing. Additionally, the Works and Fire Service Commissioner, Prof. Eno Ibanga, briefed the Council on the administration’s expenditure of N24.9 billion on road construction since its inception on May 29, 2023.
(leadership.ng)
