Nasarawa State House of Assembly has passed the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N199.9 billion as presented by Governor Abdullahi Sule into law.
Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, announced the passage of the bill into law during the House proceedings in Lafia.
The Speaker said that the passed budget, if assented to by Governor Sule would promote economic growth and development in the state.
“A Bill for a Law to Authorize the Issue Out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State (Appropriation) of the Sum of N199, 879, 370,709.43 only for the Services of Nasarawa State Government for 12 months commencing from 1st January 2024 and Ending 31st December 2024.
” The total sum of N117, 138, 350, 954.18 as Recurrent Expenditure while the sum of N82,741, 019, 755.25 as Capital Expenditure.
“The 2024 Appropriation bill is read for the third term and passed,” the Speaker said.
Jatau appreciated members for their determination and commitment to ensuring the speedy passage of the 2024 Appropriation Bill into law.
“I want to thank you for your efforts in ensuring the speedy passage of the bill.
“This shows a sign of unity and synergy with the executive and judicial arms of government as we will always work in synergy with the state government for the overall development of the state,” he said.
Jatau urged the state government to ensure full implementation of the budget if assented to by the Governor.
“We have done the needful, I hope that the executive will also do the needful,” he stated.
He then directed the Clerk of the House to produce a clean copy of the bill for Gov. Sule’s assent.
Meanwhile, the Majority Leader of the House Hon Suleiman Yakubu Azara, moved a motion for the passage of the bill into law.
Hon Luka Iliya Zhekaba, the Minority Leader of the House seconded the motion.
The House unanimously passed the 2024 budget into law.
In a related development, A Bill for a Law to Make Provision for Right of Way in Nasarawa State and For Other Matters Connected Therewith passed its first reading on the floor of the House.
Hon Suleiman Yakubu Azara, the Majority Leader of the House moved a motion for the bill to scale first reading which was seconded by Hon Luka Iliya Zhekaba, the Minority Leader of the House.
The House unanimously passed the bill into first reading.
In a related development, the House screened and confirmed Hassan Aboki Zanwa as a member Local Government Service Commission.
Hon Suleiman Yakubu Azara, the Majority Leader of the House moved a motion for the screening and confirmation of the nominee which was seconded by Hon Luka Iliya Zhekaba, the Minority Leader of the House after Hon Solomon Akwashiki SDP Lafia Central, and Hon. Esson Mairiga PDP Lafia North spoke in favor of the nominee who is from Lafia LG.
It would be recalled that on Dec 12, 2023, the Speaker of the House received the nomination of Mr Hassan Aboki Zanwa from Governor Sule for re-appointment as a member of the Local Government Service Commission.
The House also proceeded on recess from today to February 12th, 2024.
Confidence Okwuchi
