Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has presented a budget of N148.9 billion for the 2023 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly for approval.
Sule, while laying the appropriation bill tagged “Budget of Economic Consolidation and Continuity” before the assembly on Tuesday in Lafia, said his administration would continue to ensure transparency, accountability and rule of law for the development of the state.
The governor explained that N90.56 billion representing 60.8 per cent of the budget had been earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while N58.4 billion representing 39.2 per cent would go for capital spending.
“The 2023 budget for the various sectors 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, Sub Total: N27.71billion
“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, Sub Total: – N45.06 billion.
“Law & Justice Sector: State Judiciary – N3.36 billion, Ministry of Justice -N896.13 million. while sub–Total N4.25 billion
“Social Sector: Education -N37.43 billion
Health- N18.61 billion, Youth and Sports Development – N3.04 billion, Women & Social Development – N1.02billion, Environment, Community & Rural Development – N10.25 billion. Sub Total – N 70.35 billion,” he said.
Sule assured the full implementation of the budget when finally passed into law for speedy development of the state.
The governor also urged politician 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 promise land.
“Let me use this opportunity 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 also to play politics without bitterness and carry out campaigns in a manner that will enhance 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.
The Speaker of the House, Alhaji Ibrahim Abdullahi, while receiving the budget assured the government and the people of the state of speedy passage.
“I wish to note with profound sense of joy, the excellent working relationship that has prevailed between the executive and the legislature since Gov Sule assumed office in 2019,” he said.
According to him, we have been able to pass a total of 46 bills into law. These are made up of 35 executive bills and 11 private members 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 saidThe Speaker also commended the governor for the renovation and installation of state-of-the-art facilities in the assembly chambers, the executive chamber and office of the speaker.