Public Hearing on the 2024 draft budget presented before Kogi House of Assembly on Monday 11th has been concluded.
Members of Civil Society Organisations, associations and other prominent stakeholders representing different organisations were given the chance to speak, observe and evaluate the proposed budget, how it will affect them positively and every member of the society.
The Chairman, House Committee on budget appropriation Olawumi Jacob while speaking with newsmen, declared that public funds have to be used to develop the State, adding that he will use his experience from positions he had held before, to make sure the budget works.
“We don’t want a situation whereby funds will be diverted to other budget line whatever the budgetary provision we want to make sure we follow it and monitor, so that our people can benefit”.
Recall that the governor of Kogi State Yahaya Bello presented N258,278,501,339.00 budget appropriation bill to the 8th Assembly for consideration and approval.
The governor whose tenure in office is already winding off, appeared before the Kogi State House of Assembly on Monday, 11th with details of the budget tagged “Budget of Consolidation and Continuity for Inclusive Growth” also considered as the last before his exit.
He had declared earlier, that the 2024 draft budget was slightly higher by 30.71% an equivalent of N60,678,826,427.00 as compared to 2023 revised budget.
“This total budget outlay is divided into recurrent expenditure of N145,736,429,609.00 representing 56.43% and capital expenditure of N112,542,071,730.00 representing 43.57%”.
“The year 2024 draft Budget has been drafted to enhance Internally Generated Revenue, aggressively pursue repayment of debt owned to us by the Federal Government, provide more conducive environment for our Development Partners across the world to contribute to the State economy; mobilise private sector investments to the State; encourage Public-Private Partnership (PPP) and more importantly, block all wastages and leakages in our revenues as well as emphasize the completion of all on going projects/programs while bringing on board, few new critical ones that are in line with the priorities of the New Direction Administration”.
In addition, some other key areas that will be adequately prioritised according to him, includes; infrastructural development, leadership and good governance, education, agriculture, health care, security among others.
