By Esseh Ikora, Uyo
The Akwa Ibom House of Assembly has passed the 2018 appropriation bill of N646.65 billion.
The budget represents a decrease by 0.74 per cent from the figure of N651.50 billion presented to the state House of Assembly by Gov. Udom Emmanuel on November 24, 2017.
The budget which is made up of N94.65 billion as recurrent expenditure, has N431.14 billion capital expenditure and N120.86 billion as consolidated revenue charges.
Presenting the budget yesterday at the floor of the Assembly, the House Committee chairman on Finance and Appropriation and member representing, Eket, Ibeno state constituency, Mr Usoroh Akpanusoh, urged the executive to implement the budget as passed.
He appealed to the state government to ensure that amount appropriated was promptly released to MDAs, stressing that government should ensure judicious use of the funds as budgeted.
The Speaker, Mr Onofiok Luke, commended the House committee on finance and appropriation for its prompt passage of the bill.
He commended the state government for prudent management of resources for the infrastructural development of the state.
According to him the House in carrying out its responsibilities as a parliament, ensured that it actions were in line with the position of the stakeholders at the public hearing as contained in the reports submitted during the public hearing.
He said, “These positions influenced the various augment and savings we made in the budget in line with our commitment to reflecting the people’s yearnings and aspirations at all times.
” We acknowledge the challenge before us and I must commend His Excellency, the Governor, for his prompt action in boosting the economic sector of our state to stimulate the opportunities for job creation for our increasing youth workforce.
“A large percentage of this budget is therefore targeted at economic activities and infrastructure development, taking into cognizance that the informal sector (the craftsmen, the artisans etc.) thrives when intense effort is geared towards building infrastructure. “
Luke directed the Clerk of the House, Mrs Mandu Umoren, to forward the appropriation law to the governor for assent.
