Mohammed Aminu in Sokoto
Sokoto State House of Assembly, wednesday passed the 2018 appropriation bill of N220.5 billion.
The passage of the budget was sequel to a motion moved by the Deputy leader of the House, Alhaji Ibrahim Arzika, after the consideration of a report by the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation.
Speaking during the proceedings, the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation and member representing Sokoto South 11 constituency, Alhaji Malami Muhammad, said the 2018 budget amounting to N220,500,264,565.00 was passed as proposed by Governor Aminu Tambuwal.
He posited that the figures remained as submitted to the assembly by the governor, adding that nothing was added or reduced by the committee.
“However, based on the genuine request of sub-Committees, the Committee on Appropriation moved resources inwards to accommodate some important demands and interest of the people,†he stated.
He urged members of the state assembly to redouble efforts in conducting oversight function.
“This to fast track budget performance and implementation in all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) in the state.
“There is also need for constant sensitisation and enlightenment of the citizens by all stakeholders on what budget is all about and the expenditure of government based on the cash flow.
“Moreover, the Board of Internal Revenue should process the review of absolute tax laws and fines for improvement of revenue base,†he stressed.
Muhammed commended the Interim Management Committee of the state Board of Internal Revenue for ensuring a huge increase in the internally generated revenue that rose by 200 per cent compared to 2016.
He added that the state Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning and all others ministries and departments should be alive to their responsibility in order to ensure project titles, descriptions and costs were correctly stated in the budget book.
The Speaker of the House, Alhaji Salihu Maidaji, said the members of the assembly unanimously agreed for the passage of appropriation bill.
