Lalong Signs N106.8bn 2022 Appropriation Bill into Law

Seriki Adinoyi in Jos

The Plateau State Governor, Mr. Simon Lalong, has signed the 2022 Appropriation Act of N106,807,267,642.12 that was passed by the state’s House of Assembly into law.

While signing the appropriation bill into law at the Government House Rayfield Jos, Lalong commended the Speaker of State House of Assembly, Honorable Yakubu Sanda and members of the House for their doggedness and determination that saw the expeditious and thorough consideration of the budget.

He said the passage of the bill is another proof of the cordial and symbiotic relationship existing between the legislative, executive and judicial arms of government in Plateau State.

He said: “Despite the recent change of leadership in the House between the period the budget was laid and when it was passed, the honourable members have shown that the parliament as an institution can always resolve its challenges and work for the interest of the people. To my mind, this is the true definition of standing with the people and defending democracy.

“By rallying round and quickly putting behind you the unfortunate events that happened at the House recently, you have clearly shown that the public interest supersedes personal interests and that the legislature is the soul of democracy. The people of Plateau State are proud of you.”

He assured that the state government would faithfully implement the budget tagged “Budget of Economic Recovery and Consolidation of Inclusive Infrastructural Growth 2,” which is aimed at consolidating on our past achievements in order to improve our stewardship towards accelerated socio-political and economic development of the state

The governor said that he was not satisfied with the revenue generating capacity of the state despite the efforts the administration has put in, stating that the government has to do more in looking at other sources of revenue as well as considering funding options for projects such as Public Private Partnerships and Build Operate and Transfer models.

Lalong who assured that the government would focus on completing on-going projects and initiating new ones, said there shall be emphasis on prudence and transparency in the utilisation of resources.

Giving a breakdown of the budget, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Sylvester Wallangko, that said the 2022 Appropriation Bill of N106,807,267,642.12 is composed of N70.891billion representing 66.31 per cent as recurrent expenditure, and N35.987 and (N35,987,991,997.50) representing 33.69 per cent as capital expenditure.