Delta State House of Assembly, on Thursday passed the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N724.9 billion about a fortnight after the state governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, laid it before the lawmakers for its passage.
The passage of the Appropriation Bill followed the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation during plenary in Asaba, the state capital.
The initial provisions in the Appropriation Bill by the governor and that was passed by the House of Assembly comprised a Recurrent Expenditure of N316.6 billion and capital expenditure of N408.3 billion.
The committee’s presentation by the Chairman of the Finance and Appropriation Committee, Hon. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, showed the proposed budget increased by N10.5 billion when compared with the N714.4 billion proposal presented by the governor.
She explained that the 2024 budget, christened ”Budget of Hope and Optimism”, was strategically prepared to ensure that the policy trust of the Oborevwori-led administration aligned with the public priorities and expectations.
She expatiated: “The preparation process was designed to promote accountability, transparency, inclusiveness, and public participation.
”Allocation of resources to Recurrent and Capital Expenditures was fairly done. Other sectors and sub-sectors like education, agriculture, environment, healthcare, sports, youth and girl child development were given adequate budgetary consideration.
”Appropriations were also made to facilitate the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).
”All these are aimed at improving business competitiveness and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of the State”, Okowa-Daramola added.
Following the committee’s presentation of the fiscal proposals, the Majority Leader, Hon. Emeka Nwaobi, moved a motion for the third reading and passage of the appropriation bill.
The motion, which was seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Edafe Emakpo, was unanimously adopted by the lawmakers when put to a voice vote by the speaker, Hon. Dennis Guwor.
The speaker commended the lawmakers for the speedy passage of the Bill, saying that ”we have successfully discharged the key function of authorizing Government expenditures in line with the provisions of Section 121 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
”From the first reading of this Bill to its final passage, you all worked diligently through the various sub-committees of the Finance and Appropriations Committee to ensure the successful passage of this Bill.
”And for this, I cannot thank you enough. I am very confident that the timely passage of this Bill is in keeping with Global best practices, and that Delta State is on a good start to year 2024.
”I also firmly believe that this Bill will greatly impact the lives of the people of the State as well as move Delta State forward in terms of infrastructure and human capital development in line with the MORE Agenda of our amiable Governor”, the Speaker added.
Speaking to journalist shortly after the passage of the Bill, Hon. Okowa-Daramola, said that the slight increase of the provisions was informed by the critical funding needs of some sectors.
