2024 Budget: Nigeria To Record Increase Infrastructure, Capital Projects – Gov. Uzodinma

The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma has revealed that Nigeria can record increased numbers of infrastructure and capital projects if 50 per cent of its 2024 appropriation act is achieved.

The Governor who is also the Chairman of the Progressive Governors Forum of the All Progressives Congress Party, (APC), also said that Nigeria’s 2024 budget has clearly defined the work plan for all the Governors of the party as outlined and presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in the last appropriation act.

Governor Uzodinma stated these in Abuja on Monday while interacting with State House Correspondents after a closed-door meeting with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

According to the Governor, “If we’re able to achieve even 50% budget performance of that document, it will not be the same Nigeria”.

He said that the initial fears, occasioned by some of these reform policies, like the subsidy removal on petroleum products, the exchange rate escalation will be cured. Although while admitting that some of these policies may look unfriendly at first, he sees them becoming the darling of all stakeholders in a few months.

Governor Uzodinma further stated that Imo State since its creation witnessed the most peaceful yuletide in the year 2023 without recording any case of insecurity.

The Governor asserted that all schools in Imo State specifically basic schools will, by the end of January 2024 run a full scheme of academic programs following months of shutdown.

Growth and economic development of Imo

Uzodinma who would be sworn in for his second term in office on January 15th, said the State under his watch witnessed tremendous progress since its creation

“Imo State under my watch witnessed tremendous progress since the creation of the State. We had the best and the most peaceful Christmas in 2023. There was no case of insecurity anywhere.”

Speaking on governance in the state, Governor Hope upheld that Imo State achieved transformation in his first four-year tenure with “strong foundations in the sectors of the economy”.

He added that his government will use the opportunity of his second term in office to grow the sectors.

“In the area of governance, some of you who are conversant will agree with me on the transformation we’ve achieved in the four years. Under my leadership, we have been able to touch virtually every sector of the economy”.

On the close down of schools, the governor was delighted to state that by the end of January 2024, all schools in Imo State specifically basic schools will be running full scheme.

The Governor further disclosed that in the next 18 months dredging of Ogwuta lake-Oharaji River in Imo State will be connected to the Atlantic Ocean.

“It is a work in progress and we hope that towards the middle of this year dredging proper will start and going by our work program, we hope that 18 months will be the proper period for the entire dredging of Ogwuta Lake Oharaji River to the Atlantic Ocean,” Governor Uzodinma said.

Emmanuel Ukoh