Benue house passes 2017 budget

After six months of budget presentation to the state assembly, Benue house of assembly on Tuesday passed the 2017 budget.

The budget christened ‘Budget of rural transformation’ was raised to N176.6billion, an increment of N12.7billion over the N163.9billiom earlier presented to the house last by governor Samuel Ortom.

The budget was considered by the members during the committee of the whole chaired by the speaker, Hon. Terkimbir Ikyange after the house committee of appropriation submitted their report.

Chairman of appropriation committee Honourable Adan Okloho explained reasons for the increment saying, ‘the increase was as a result of the non-inclusion of some of the ongoing projects by the state ministry of finance.’

He added that there were additional requests by Ministries, Department and Agencies, MDAs, for inclusion of some critical projects which were omitted in the proposed budget.

Highlights of the budget indicates N66.7billion is  for recurrent expenditure, while N109.9 billion is for capital expenditure, another N36.1 billion stands for deficit financing.

The house however directed the ministry of finance to always make releases to MDAs as and when due to enable them carry out implementation of their votes.