From Abel Leonard, Lafia
The Nasarawa state House of Assembly has received Governor Abdullahi Sule’s 2023 budget proposal of N148,958,122,525.05 billion for its consideration and approval.
The Speaker of the State Assembly, Rt Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, while receiving the budget in Lafia today assured Governor Sule and the people of the state of speedy passage of the budget for development to thrive.
The Governor said that his administration would continue to anchor on transparency, accountability and rule of law for the overall development of the State.
The Governor tagged the 2023 Budget as ” Budget of Economic Consolidation and Continuity.
“I am delighted to lay before you a total budget size of N148,958,122,525.05 for the 2023 fiscal year
“Recurrent Expenditure- A total of N90,566,516,459.56 representing 60.80% of the total budget is earmarked for Recurrent Expenditure.
“Capital Expenditure- The sum of N58,391,606,065.49 representing 39.20% of the total budget is set aside as Capital Expenditure for the year 2023.
“The 2023 Budget for the various sectors is as follows: Administrative Sector:
“Government House Administration – N4.67 billion,Security/ Office of the SSG- N9.50 billion, Legislation -N2.00 billion, Information/Culture& Tourism – N2.71 billion, Civil Service Matters-N1.41 billion, Pension & Gratuity -N7.42 billion, Sub Total: N27.71billion
” Economic Sector:Agriculture & Water Resources – N11.32 billion, Finance, Trade& Investment – N15.47 billion, Infrastructure Development – N16.31 billion, Science, Technology & Innovation – N1.96 billion, Sub Total: – N45.06 billion.
“Law & Justice Sector: State Judiciary – N3.36 billion, Ministry of Justice -N896.13 million. Sub Total: – N4.25 billion.
“Social Sector:Education – N37.43 billion Health- N18.61 billion, Youth & Sports Development – N3.04 billion, Women & Social Development – N1.02 billion, Environment, Community & Rural Development – N10.25 billion. Sub Total – N 70.35 billion,” he said.
Sule assured the Assembly and the people of the State of full implementation of the budget, if finally passed into law for speedy development across the State.
The Governor urged politician to play politics without bitterness in the interest of peace and development
“We must strengthen our synergy in the realization of our quest to leave a legacy that will take Nasarawa State to the promise land.
“Let me use the opportunity of this presentation to appeal to our brothers and sisters, who are contesting for positions from different political parties to play politics in accordance with the rule of engagement.
“I urge you to play politics without bitterness and to carry out campaigns in a manner that will enhance progress and development of our dear State. Peace in Nasarawa State is for the benefit of all. Lack of it will affect everyone.,” he added.
Responding, Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, the Speaker of the House commended the Gov. Sule for presenting the budget.
“I wish to note with profound sense of joy, the excellent working relationship that has prevailed between the executive and the legislature since you assume office in 2019,” he said.
According to him, We have been able to pass a total of 46 bills into law. These are made up of 35 executive bills and 11 private members bills.
“May I quickly state that 18 other bills are in various stages of passage.
“Again, within the period under review, the House passed a total of 43 resolutions,” he said
The Speaker commended the Governor for the renovation and installation of state-of-the-art facilities in the hallowed Chambers of the House as well as the renovation of the executive chamber and office of the Rt. Hon Speaker.
He has assured the Governor of speedy passage of the budget for the provision of more dividends of democracy to the people of the State.
It would be recalled that on Dec 9, 2021 Gov. Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State presented 2022 budget of N109.8 billion to the State Assembly tagged budget of sustainable transportation.