2023 Budget: Gov. Sule presents N148.9 billion to Nasarawa Assembly
2023 Budget: Gov. Sule presents N148.9 billion to Nasarawa Assembly
Story from Ibraheem Hamza MUHAMMAD, Lafia
Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has presented the 2023 budget proposal of N148, 958, 122,525.05 billion to the State House of Assembly for consideration and approval.
The Speaker of the Nasarawa State House of Assembly (NSHA), Hon. Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, while receiving the budget in Lafia Tuesday, assured Governor Sule and the people of the state of speedy passage of the budget for development to thrive.
The governor said that his administration would continue to anchor on transparency, accountability and rule of law for the overall development of the state.
He tagged the 2023 budget as “Budget of Economic Consolidation and Continuity”.
“I am delighted to lay before you a total budget size of N148, 958,122,525.05 for the 2023 fiscal year.
“Recurrent Expenditure has N90, 566,516,459.56 representing 60.80% of the total budget.
“Capital expenditure had the sum of N58, 391,606,065.49 representing 39.20% of the total budget.
“The 2023 budget for the various sector is as follows: Administrative Sector: Government House Administration – N4.67 billion, Security/ Office of the SSG – N9.50 billion, Legislation – N2.00 billion, Information/Culture & Tourism – N2.71 billion, Civil Service Matters – N1.41 billion, Pension & Gratuity -N7.42 billion, with a subtotal of N27.71 billion.
“Economic Sector: Agriculture & Water Resources – N11.32 billion, Finance, Trade& Investment – N15.47 billion, Infrastructure Development – N16.31 billion, Science, Technology & Innovation – N1.96 billion with a subtotal of N45.06 billion.
“Law & Justice Sector: State Judiciary – N3.36 billion, Ministry of Justice – N896.13 million with a subtotal of N4.25 billion.
“Social Sector: Education N37.43 billion, Health N18.61 billion, Youth & Sports Development N3.04 billion, Women & Social Development N1.02 billion and Environment, Community & Rural Development N10.25 billion with a subtotal of N 70.35 billion,” the governor said.
Governor Sule assured the Assembly and the people of the state of full implementation of the budget if finally passed into law for speedy development across the state.
He urged politicians to play politics without bitterness in the interest of peace and development.
“We must strengthen our synergy in the realisation of our quest to leave a legacy that will take Nasarawa State to the promised land.
“Let me use the opportunity of this presentation to appeal to our brothers and sisters, who are contesting for positions from different political parties to play politics in accordance with the rule of engagement.
“I urge you to play politics without bitterness and to carry out campaigns in a manner that will enhance the progress and development of our dear state. Peace in Nasarawa State is for the benefit of all. Lack of it will affect everyone,” he added.
Responding, Hon Ibrahim Balarabe Abdullahi, the Speaker of the House, commended governor Sule for presenting the budget.
“I wish to note with a profound sense of joy, the excellent working relationship that has prevailed between the executive and the legislature since you assumed office in 2019,” he said.
“We have been able to pass a total of 46 bills into law. These are made up of 35 executive bills and 11 private member bills.
“May I quickly state that 18 other bills are in various stages of passage? Again, within the period under review, the House passed a total of 43 resolutions,” he said.