Delta State’s 2024 Appropriation Bill Passes Second Reading Amidst Strong Legislative Backing
ASABA/Nigeria: The Delta State Appropriation Bill for the 2024 fiscal year, totaling 714.4 billion Naira, has successfully passed its second reading on the floor of the State House of Assembly.
House Leader Emeka Nwaobi spearheaded deliberations on the merits of the Money Bill during the Assembly’s recent plenary session, chaired by Speaker Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor.
Presented to the Lawmakers by Rt Hon Sheriff Oborevwori, who performed his duty for the first time as Governor of Delta State, the 2024 Appropriation Bill received significant attention. It has been dubbed the “Budget of Hope and Optimism,” aligning with the Governor’s pledged Social Contract with the populace.
Breaking down the proposed financial plan, 44 percent, amounting to N316.6 billion, is allocated for recurrent expenditure, while the remaining 56 percent, totaling N397.9 billion, is earmarked for capital expenditure.
During the debates, House Leader Emeka Nwaobi emphasized Governor Sheriff Oborevwori’s commitment to positioning Delta State for rapid socio-economic transformation. He stressed the comprehensive coverage of every sector in the budget, intended to foster unhindered development and growth across the state.
Nwaobi assured that funding the budget would not pose a challenge, citing articulated revenue sources detailed in the appropriation bill. He highlighted the importance of prudent implementation and financial discipline outlined in the document, aiming to bolster public confidence in the PDP-led government.
The Majority Leader and several other legislators echoed Nwaobi’s sentiments, emphasizing the budget’s objective to restore hope, combat poverty, and stimulate growth across all sectors, including the non-oil segment of the economy.
The lawmakers expressed unanimous support for expediting the legislative process for the appropriation bill, acknowledging its vision-driven provisions aimed at swift development and well-defined economic reforms.
Emphasizing the need for fiscal discipline and waste reduction, the legislators highlighted the significance of successful implementation in positioning the state for remarkable productivity and achievements.
Speaker Rt Hon Emomotimi Guwor praised the lawmakers for their vigorous debate on the appropriation bill, commending their dedication to the state’s growth and development. Subsequently, the Speaker referred the Bill to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, alongside all other standing committees, to report back to the House by Wednesday, December 13th, 2023.
