Michael Olugbode in Damaturu
Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, has presented an appropriation bill of N217 billion for 2024 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly.
The appropriation bill was tagged: “Budget of Consolidation and Economic Recovery.”
He noted that out of this amount, the total sum of N94.2 billion representing 43.39 per cent was proposed as recurrent expenditure, while the total sum of N122.8 billion representing 56.61 per cent was for capital expenditure.
The governor during the presentation, said: “I want to reassure you that the government will remain steadfast in its commitment to the progress and development of our dear state. Our target has always been driven by a strong commitment to the well-being and prosperity of our state.”
He said the budget would focus on the administration sector where it has been allocated the sum N26.7 billion for both its capital and recurrent expenditure.
Under this are: Government House, House of Assembly, Office of the Secretary to the State Government, Office of the Head of Service, Ministry of Home Affairs Information and Culture, Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Ministry of Religious Affairs and Ethical Re-orientation, State Independent Electoral Commission, Civil Service Commission, Local Government Service Commission, State and Local Government Auditors-Generals’ Offices, among others.
He added: “In the upcoming fiscal year, we will focus on providing a conducive working atmosphere for the civil servants and public officeholders.
“In this respect, we would intensify efforts towards completion of the Ministry of Budget Office complex, Multipurpose Hall, NLC Secretariat and additional work at the I.B.B Secretariat. Renovations of various offices and, the provision of office furniture and equipment have also been allocated funds in the 2024 budget proposal.
“Official and utility vehicles would also be made available to some MDAs including the Judiciary. Government would also support the training of civil servants to build their capacity and enhance productivity.
“The sum of N107,213,280,000 is allocated to this sector to cover the capital and recurrent expenditure for the Ministry of Works, Ministry of Transport and Energy, Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Ministry of Water Resources, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism, Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, Ministry of Wealth Creation, Empowerment and Employment Generation, Internal Revenue Service, Rural Electrification Board, Water Cooperation, Housing and Property Development Cooperation, Rural Water Supply and Sanitation Agency, among others.”
The governor said in order to stimulate economic growth, government would ensure the completion of Potiskum and Geidam Modern Markets, Potiskum Trailer Park, Damaturu Mega Shopping Mall as well as for the rehabilitation, upgrading and capitalisation of all the government-owned companies, completion of the Sesame Seeds Processing and Packaging factories in Damaturu, Potiskum, Machina and Nguru towns, renovation of Ministry of Commerce Zonal offices and Gogaram Chalets.
“Investing in infrastructure is vital to the development of our state, we will continue to make strategic investments in power supply for industrial and domestic use.
“In addition, the government will pursue with vigour the completion of the 500KVA relief sub-station in Kannamma. More towns and villages would also be connected to the national grid,” he added.
