ASABA/Nigeria: In a landmark decision today, the Delta State House of Assembly approved a budget totaling N725 billion for the state government’s services in the forthcoming 2024 fiscal year. The approval marks a notable increase of N10.5 billion from the initially proposed N714 billion, as presented by the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, two weeks earlier.
The pivotal third reading of the Appropriation Bill followed the comprehensive examination of the report presented by the Hon. Marylyn Okowa-Daramola-led Committee on Finance and Appropriations. This session was presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, in a plenary session.
Hon. Marylyn Okowa-Daramola, presenting the committee’s report, highlighted that after meticulous legislative deliberations on the proposed budget, slight adjustments were made to align with the prevailing economic realities. Notably, the approved budget showcased a significant rise in the proposed capital expenditure from N397.8 billion to N408.3 billion.
Regarding recurrent expenditure, Hon. Okowa-Daramola, representing Ika North East in the House, disclosed an adjusted budget size of N316.6 billion compared to the initially proposed N316.5 billion. She emphasized that the 2024 budget aligns with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s M.O.R.E agenda, labeling it a budget of “Hope and Optimism.”
The increased figures are directed at bolstering critical sectors within the State, primarily focusing on health, infrastructure works, and urban renewal, among others.
Following the rigorous assessment of the Finance and Appropriation report, the House further scrutinized the budget at the Committee on Supply, chaired by Speaker Emomotimi Guwor, where necessary amendments were made.
Upon the motion for the third reading and subsequent passage of the Appropriation Bill, Speaker Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor praised the diligent efforts of the lawmakers and emphasized the bill’s alignment with global best practices. He expressed confidence that its implementation would significantly enhance the well-being of Deltans and propel the State towards growth, echoing the MORE Agenda envisioned by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.
Guwor commended both the legislative ingenuity of the lawmakers and the timely presentation of the 2024 budget by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. The total budget size was finalized at N724,979,313,867.00 (Seven Hundred and Twenty Four Billion, Nine Hundred and Seventy Nine Million, Three Hundred and Thirteen Thousand, Eight Hundred and Sixty Seven Naira).
The Speaker’s remarks underscored the collaborative effort and dedication exhibited by all stakeholders involved in authorizing government expenditures, adhering to the constitutional provisions laid out in Section 121 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered). The passage of this budget signifies a promising start for Delta State in the upcoming year, promising substantial advancements in infrastructure and human capital development.
