Fubara Signs N800bn 2024 Appropriation Bill Into Law …Assures Of Delivering Trans-Kalabari, Elele-Omoku Roads …Promises Responsive, Inclusive Governance

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has signed into law the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N800billion.
This is coming a day after he presented the budget estimates to the State House of Assembly led by Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie.
The signing ceremony was held yesterday in the conference room of the Governor’s Office at the Government House, Port Harcourt.
Fubara explained that with the budget providing a framework for spending in 2024, his administration will undertake notable critical road projects that will connect more communities across several local governments to meet age long yearnings of Rivers people.
He stated, “This budget shows that we have a plan for our dear State. One of the reasons why our budget is in the volume of N800bn is that we intend, not just by desiring, to ensure that one key request of our dear State is met.
“God being our helper, we will commence immediately, by next year, flagging off the actual and main Trans-Kalabari road project phase 2.
“We have also, in our budget, provided to take care of the Elele-Omoku road project; a road that cuts through Ikwerre, Emohua, and Ogba-Egbema-Ndoni Local Government Areas.
“We are also taking that project as one of our cardinal achievements of this administration. We are not going back on it.”
The governor assured that no efforts will be spared in implementing to the full the planned out quality projects and services itemised in the 2024 appropriation.
He stressed that the budget will be driven in a manner that will make a positive impact on the lives of all residents in Rivers State because they will see and feel development at their doorsteps.
“I want to assure you that this administration has the best interest of our people. It is an administration that wants everyone to have hope.
“We have keyed into the Renewed Hope Agenda of our dear President, Bola Tinubu, to continue to assure our people of hope. The best of us will be seen by everyone.
“We will continue to protect the interest of our people, do the best for everyone, not minding your position or class.
“Our government is responsive and inclusive. Our eyes and ears are open to the needs of our people. We will not disappoint you”, he said.
Fubara commended the legislature for their support of his administration and assured that God who has continued to make a way out of the challenges will continue to embolden them.
In presenting the budget to Governor Fubara for ascent, the leader of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Hon. Adolphus Orubienimigha, said members gave due diligence in deliberating on each item, giving careful consideration to pass the appropriation bill and urged the governor to remain resolute in discharging the duties of his office.
In his speech, Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Edison Ehie, noted that the budget figures and items as articulated were in line with current realities and demonstrated the resolve of Governor Fubara to provide more infrastructure and strengthen sectors like education, health, and the economy to deliver optimal services including youth empowerment.
Ehie assured that the legislature will continue to stand with Governor Fubara, by
providing the required support that will secure success for the administration.
A breakdown of the 2024 budget shows that the total projected revenue for the State for the 2024 Fiscal Year is N800, 392,485,433.01 billion.
Out of this, the highest amount of N410,266,485,090.64, representing about 51 per cent of the total budget projections, is for Capital Expenditure, while the sum of N361,598,242,570.85 , representing 49 percent of the budget, is for Recurrent Expenditure.
The capital allocation of the N410,266,485,090.64 Capital Expenditure shows that Governance will gulp N161,742,835,256.27; Information & Communication will take N2,234,273,168.00; Public Administration will have N13,852,493,641.59; and the sum of N7,779,818,293.13 will be for Finance and Planning.
Others include: Agriculture (N20,311,574,254.53); Infrastructure (N128,003,540,952.66); Commerce and Investment (N1,787,418,534,40); Culture and Tourism (N1,381,187.049.31); and Education (N40,426,441,994.74).
There are also Health (N30,555.506,748.20); Social Development (N10,155,787,127.27); Environment & Sustainable Development (N8,449,614,889.89); and Judiciary (N5,646,617,642.76).
The breakdown of the Recurrent Expenditure shows that the highest amount of N99, 588,939,939.39 is earmarked for Personnel Emolument, followed by Gratuities/Death Benefits, which has (N77,850,000,000.00), and Domestic loans interest, with (N32,420,734,367.60).
Others are: Monthly pensions (N30,240,000,000.00); New Recruitments (N28, 924,562,980.61); Domestic Loan, Principal Repayment (N26,018,966,086.70); Overhead costs (N18, 871,623,339.00); Counterpart Pension Scheme (N15,000,000,000.00); FAAC Deductions (N12,865,723,913.00); Grants, contributions & subsidies (N7,908,000,000.00); Foreign loan, principal repayment (N5,081,731,374.51); COT/Charges/General Admin (N5,000,000,000.00); and Foreign loan interest (N536,709,798.04).

By: Boye Salau