The Enugu State House of Assembly has taken a significant stride by passing the 2024 budget estimate, amounting to a staggering N521,561,386,000. This development marks a pivotal moment in the state’s financial landscape. The Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Anthony Nwankwo, lauded the flawless nature of the budget estimate and recommended its passage into law.
In a rare show of unity, all members of the House commended Governor Peter Mbah for spearheading a remarkable shift in the budget’s recurrent and capital expenditure ratio. They highlighted the substantial capital expenditure of N414,334,120,000, representing over 79% of the entire budget, which promises unprecedented infrastructural development for the state. Consequently, the House unanimously passed the bill into law, reflecting the collective commitment to driving progress and growth.
Following the passage of the bill, the Speaker, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, emphasized that the House’s responsibility does not conclude with the passage of the law. He reiterated the commitment to rigorous oversight to ensure the budget’s full implementation in the best interest of the masses. With a resounding emphasis on the budget’s potential to deliver prosperity, Ugwu underscored the need for the executive arm to diligently execute the budget while assuring the people of Enugu State of the Assembly’s dedicated oversight functions.
The “Budget of Disruptive Economic Growth,” as named by Ugwu, allocates approximately 79% to capital expenditure and 21% to recurrent expenditure. Sectors crucial to the state’s development, such as agriculture, education, and health, have received substantial funding, reflecting a strategic approach to fostering prosperity for the people of Enugu State.
Governor Mbah’s presentation of the N521.5bn budget estimate on December 5 signified a groundbreaking moment in the state’s history. The House of Assembly has aptly pledged to fast-track the consideration of the budget, reaffirming its commitment to propelling growth and development for the people of the state. The stage is now set for the executive arm to uphold its end of the bargain and meticulously implement the ambitious budget, with the Assembly poised to rigorously uphold its oversight duties.
