ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Government has earmarked a staggering sum of N714 billion for the upcoming 2024 fiscal year.
This disclosure was made by the state’s Commissioner for Economic Planning, Mr. Sonny Ekedayen, during the official commencement of the 2024 budget presentation and defense by ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) at the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat in Asaba, on Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
Mr. Ekedayen went on to provide a breakdown of the allocation, revealing that out of the estimated N714 billion, N393 billion is designated for capital expenditure, with the remainder allocated to recurrent and other expenditures.
When questioned by journalists about the performance of the 2023 Budget, Commissioner Ekedayen assessed it at a 70% success rate, attributing certain challenges to it being an election year. He also highlighted the state government’s progress in increasing its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), from N95 billion the previous year to N105 billion.
Emphasizing the priorities of the 2024 Budget, Ekedayen stressed that it would focus on quality projects with a direct impact on the lives of the state’s residents, and would be executed with fiscal discipline. He urged MDAs to carefully select projects that can be completed on schedule and not contribute to a landscape of unfinished or poorly executed initiatives.
Ekedayen stated, “We will live within our means by taking into account cost-effectiveness, efficiency, impactful delivery,” and encouraged MDAs to propose budgets that promote meaningful development, equal opportunities, realistic reforms, and enhanced peace and security in line with the governor’s MORE Agenda.
Furthermore, Mr. Ekedayen disclosed that the 2024 Budget would also prioritize sectors that could drive the state’s economy and enhance the living standards of its citizens.
As part of the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability, the Commissioner informed ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) that the Ministry of Economic Planning would implement monitoring and evaluation processes for all ongoing government projects in the state.
