Gov Lalongs presents N145bn 2018 appropriation bill to Plateau Assembly

By Golok Nanmwa, Jos

Gov. Simon Lalong  of Plateau State on Thursday presented N145 billion budget proposal for 2018 to the State House of Assembly for deliberation.

Presenting the appropriation bill   tagged budget of rescue and consolidation 

Lalong said the All progressive Congress led administration is determined to better the lives of citizens of Plateau 

  Our Correspondent reports that the total budget is 145,488,663,62.00, with a recurrent expenditure of 68 billion. 

Lalong said “Mr. Speaker, Hon. Members, may I have the honour and privilege to present to this House, the 2018 Budget Estimate, which is tagged “BUDGET OF RESCUE AND CONSOLIDATION”. In this budget, we shall be consolidating on the gains and achievements of this administration since the beginning of our Rescue Mission.”

“The Budget has a total size of One Hundred and Forty-Five Billion, Four Hundred and Eighty-Eight Million, Sixty-Six Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty-Two Naira (N145,488,066,352.00) only. The increase is due to increase in certain Recurrent Expenditures and the fact that the Country is going out of recession and the hope that our economy is getting better; thereby improving the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) potentials of the State.”

He also said “the  Recurrent Revenue in the 2018 budget is estimated at Seventy-Six Billion, Five Hundred and Thirty Four Million, Seven Hundred and Fifty One Thousand, Three Hundred Ninety-Three Naira (N76,534,751,393.00) only. This consist of Twenty One Billion, One Hundred and Sixty-Six Million, Ninety-One Thousand, Seven Hundred and Fourteen Naira (N21,166,091,714.00) only as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Thirty Six Billion, Five Hundred Million, (N36,500,000,000.00) as Revenue from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) derived from the projection of Federal Government’s MTEF variables and figures released as well as projection from the state’s MTSS. Other revenue projections include Eighteen Billion, Eight Hundred and Sixty-Nine Million, Six Hundred and Fifty Nine Thousand, Six Hundred and Seventy-Nine Naira (N18,869,659,679.00) only as Reimbursements from the Federal Government for the Federal Roads constructed by the State Government.”

“Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members, let me reiterate that a Budget is a statement of intent on spending and its success depends also on the understanding and cooperation of the Citizens who are the stakeholders and greatest beneficiaries. On the part of Government, we are resolved to implement the budget to the best of our ability as we have demonstrated in the past since assumption of duty. However, we note that expeditious considerations and passage of the budget will enhance early implementation and improved performance rating that we desire to achieve.”

“To ensure good budget performance, during considerations and preparations of the Budget, Government tried to resist unilateral increase in budgetary allocation to avoid over bloating; given the challenges on ground and as we are barely getting out of Recession. Since Governance is a continuity, and that only very minimal new projects will be undertaken, I wish to plead for understanding of the Honourable House Committees and House Members towards achieving a common goal. Besides, projects that cannot be completed can be rolled over to the next financial year. Above all, in this era of accountability, we recognize that actual budget performance vis-à-vis approved estimates tells on the integrity, performance and measure of good governance of any responsible administration. Together as we work in synergy we shall achieve our Vision and Mission.

The governor also said  “this Administration remains committed to living up to the expectations of our people. ,We shall with a sense of purpose, dutifully pursue the greater good of our people, giving them the service that will enhance their socio-economic well-being and guarantee their place in the Plateau of their dream. We intend to consolidate all sectors of our economy so that good governance is felt by all who reposed confidence in our ability to rescue.”

“Despite the serious economic recession in the country, our people have demonstrated serious patriotism and understanding. Their sacrifices have left us more burdened in averting betrayal of trust, while ensuring efficient service delivery.

“Mr. Speaker and Hon. Members, with your timely scrutiny and passage of the 2018 Budget, the confidence to consolidate on what we have started will be further strengthened. I have no doubt that having demonstrated good team work and competence in Legislative Duties in almost two years of the existence of the 8th Assembly, you will be more than willing to sacrifice time and synergize efforts on this assignment for the good of the people.”

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Governor Simon Bako Lalong Presents N145bn 2018 Appropriation Bill to Plateau Assembly