Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has presented a budget totalling N410 billion for the 2024 fiscal year to the Anambra State House of Assembly for approval.
Governor Soludo made the presentation at the State Assembly Complex in Awka, the state capital.
As contained in the budget, N96, 201, 936, 746, that is 23% of the budget is targeted at recurrent expenditure; N313, 930, 288, 526 representing 77% of the entire budget is targeted at capital expenditure.
The budget which is themed, “Changing Gears: The Transformation Agenda Begins,” is aimed at beginning the transformation agenda and implementing a new master plan to change Anambra into a liveable and prosperous homeland.
According to the Governor, the size of the budget is relatively small in terms of dollar and other economic challenges, saying that they are determined to maximise value for Ndị Anambra, prioritising project financing, not borrowing to consume.
He pointed out that the budget will accelerate agenda on clean, green and sustainable Anambra, urban and semi-urban water schemes, mainstreaming the sports economy, the state football team, among others, emphasising that his adminitration’s agenda is to promote one state and one people.
He said the budget is a device for ensuring continuous monitoring procedure, reviewing and evaluating performance with reference to agreed standards and that with the passage of the 2023 budget, massive transformation is going on in all parts of the state, especially in infrastructure, education, health, human capital development, among others.
The Speaker of the Assembly, Right Honourable Somtochukwu Udeze, stated that the proposal will be given expedited hearing and passage.
Hon Udeze assured that the house will intensify efforts in its oversight function to ensure that the public continue to have value for every fund spent, suggesting the introduction of a mid-year budget financial briefing on budget performance to the people.
