Greatest chunk of the people’s money goes back to the people, as Yahaya assents N120.3b for 2021 appropriation
Chima Azubuike, Gombe
…..earmarks 8.6% for governance
Gombe state governor, Inuwa Yahaya on Wednesday, signed N120.3B appropriation bill into law.
Signing the budget into law, the governor said the act which is tagged Budget of Resilience is geared towards uplifting the economy of the state, empowering both women and youth.
Yahaya stated that his government is improving in efficiency and processes, which he said is aimed at catapulting the state to enviable height, with rewarding business environment.
“Around this time last year we assented 2020 budget, around 27th we signed the appropriation budget. This year we are some days ahead, it means we are improving on efficiency, processes and procedures in order to improve the lots of the people of Gombe state.
“We must ensure that the greatest chunk of the people’s money goes back to the people especially with the intent of the party, which is to give service to humanity. The fact that we christened this budget, budget of resilience means we must be more resilient, more cooperative, and hardworking. Everyone knows the effect of the pandemic, if we work hard we will overcome the challenges we shall come out stronger more than ever ” he said.
Recall that One Hundred and Nineteen Billion, Six Hundred and Sixty Three Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Six Thousand, Six Hundred and Twenty Six Naira (N119,663,856,626.00) was initially proposed by the governor.
With the assent there has been an increase of Six Hundred and Eighty Two Million, Six Hundred and Eighty Thousand Naira (N682,680,000.00).
On his part, commissioner for Finance Muhammad Magaji explained that the most of the adjustments were around social sector.
Magaji said, “The state House of Assembly looked at areas they thought we underfunded so they made the adjustment to ensure the social sector is properly funded of course it is in the interest of the state and the adjustment has been accepted. Implementation starts on the 1st of January, 2021.”
Also speaking, the speaker of the state House of Assembly, Abubakar Luggerewo noted that this was the first time that less attention was given to governance above capital projects.
He added, “8.6% was earmarked for governance, unlike previously where over 20% is budgeted for governance. 52% of the total budget was earmarked for capital and about 48% for recurrent expenditure. The 2021 budget is centred on improving the welfare of citizens.”
