Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Kefas Agbu, has officially signed the 2024 appropriation bill of N313,388,525,661:56BN into law, marking a significant step towards the comprehensive development of the state across all sectors.
The Governor signed the budget tagged “Moving Forward ” on Friday at the EXCO chambers, Government House, Jalingo.
Governor Kefas emphasised his administration’s dedication to inclusive leadership, geared towards fostering development throughout the state.
‘This document represents not just numbers and allocations but the collective aspiration of our people.
“The collaborative efforts between the legislative and the executive branches has resulted into the budget that reflects our commitment to progress and the well-being of our citizens.
He express his sincere appreciation to the speaker and the entire legislative body for their diligence, dedications and constructive engagement throughout the budgetary process.
“Our shared commitments to the public good has shown to be true, and it is a testament of our unity in serving the people.
“I want to still re-emphasize that this project is not merely a financial plan.
“It is a blue print for the future we envision. It allocated resources strategically to address pressing issues, foster economic growth and enhance essential services.
“It is a tool that empowered us to meet the need of our communities and build a resilient and prosperous state.
“So, as we embark on the journey outlined in this budget, once again I want to assure you all, my administration will be steadfast in the implementation.
“We will work tirelessly to ensure that every kobo is spent wisely and contribute to the betterment of our society.
“Together, we can achieve the goal set forth in this budget and create a legacy of progress and prosperity for the generation to come.
“Let us move forward hand in hand, guided by the vision of a brighter future for our state – he added.
During the passage of the bill, the House Committee Chairman on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Abdul-Azeez Titong, said that the increase of N2Billion, is strives to advance the infrastructure, Health care, Agriculture, Security and Governance.
“The expected revenue to finance the Budget by the Taraba State Government is N313,388,525,661:56 only.
He gave the breakdown of the budget as: Revenue – N313,388,525,661:56, presenting 100 percent, Expenditure – N111,130,982,500:70 representing 35.9 percent, Capital Expenditure N313,388,525,661:56 representing 100 percent.
He said that the initial size of the budget was adjusted to accommodate some projects that torches the Five fingers agenda of the government by adjusting the budget size from N311,388,525,661:96k only to N313,388,525,661:56k only.
According to him, the committee after interacting with Ministries, Departments and Agencies, came out with observations to include, the need to adjust the size of the 2024 budget, that the Budget estimates is higher than the approved budget of 2023 and that government should be highly commended for giant developmental strides in the state, and that Ministries Departments and Agencies do not have operational vehicles which hampers their operations.
“The 2024 Budget estimates is higher than the approved budget of 2023, thus making it a more realistic budget as it is tagged: ”Budget of Moving Forward.”
“Government should ensure that all leakages such as multiple receipts and bank accounts amongst others, used by the Revenue Agencies be blocked for all revenues collected be paid into the appropriate accounts of the government for proper accountability and possible usage of the data generated by the Federal Government and World Bank.
“Official vehicles should be provided to all Ministries, Departments and Agencies to enhance their performance optimally – he said.
“The Executive Arm of Government through the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning should ensure that government owned parastatals and Companies declare their profit and loss account every year – he added.
Earlier, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kizito Bonzena appreciated his colleagues for the quick passage of the bill, adding that it is for the development of the state.