IBRAHEEM HAMZA, Muhammad
Nasarawa State House of Assembly has jerked up the 2022 Appropriation Bill from the initial N109.8 billion presented to the House for consideration and approval by Governor Abdullahi Sule to N114. 3bilion.
Speaker of Assembly, Rt. Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, announced the passage of the budget into law after Hon Daniel Ogazi, the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, moved a motion to that effect, which was seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Abel Bala, during the House proceedings on Wednesday in Lafia.
The Speaker said the increase in the 2022 appropriation bill was as a result of upward review of some sectorial allocations due to their importance and for the overall development of the state.
The Speaker, Abdullahi, appreciated members for their commitment and hard work in ensuring speedy passage of the budget.
He said, “A Bill for a law to authorise the issue Out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State (Appropriation Bill) of the sum of N114, 287, 447, 524. 06.only for the services of Nasarawa State Government for the period of 12 months,commencing from 1st January, 2022 ending 31st December, 2022 is read for third time and passed.
“N73, 868, 482, 458. 05. only as recurrent expenditure and N40, 418, 965, 066.01 only as capital expenditure.”
The Speaker added that those consultants on revenue engaged by MDAs that do not add value to the state Internally Generated Revenue ( IGR) should be laid off.
” There should be better understanding between all MDAs on the mode and better way of achieving Government policies and prgrammes,” he said
The speaker directed the clerk of the House to produce a clean copy of the bill for Gov. Sule’s assent.
Earlier, Hon. Daniel Ogazi ( APC- Kokona East ), the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, moved a motion for the passage of the bill into law.
Hon Abel Bala ( PDP- Nassarawa Eggon West) , the Minority Leader of the House, seconded the motion.
The House unanimously passed the bill into law.
Recall that on Dec.9, 2021, Gov Sule presented the 2022 budget proposal of N109.8 billion to the State House of Assembly for consideration and approval.
It consists of Recurrent expenditure of N70, 891, 582,458.57, representing 64.56 per cent, while Capital Expenditure stands at 38, 909, 942,420.92, representing 35.44 per cent.
Similarly, the Speaker has announced that the the House has proceeded on its Christmas recess to resume on February 10, 2022.