The proposed total budget estimate of N845.632 billion for the 2024 financial year, presented by the Akwa Ibom State governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has been commended as futuristic and prudently intended to ensure tangible growth and expansion of the socio-economic life of the people of the state.
The commendation was made during a programme tagged: EARCOM Hour, monitored on Premium 89.9 FM, Abak, at the weekend, during the interview segment of the programme with commissioners on the governing board of the commission, including Sir Ubong Ekefre, Mr Goodnews Ediene and Mr Michael Isang.
Dissecting the budget, christened: ‘Arise Budget for Growth and Expansion’, Ekefre specifically lauded the larger allocation of N492.72 billion for capital expenditure over the N352.92 billion for recurrent expenditure, explaining that this simply means that the budget is deliberately futuristic.
Ekefre added that the slant increase in capital expenditure will grow the industrial base of the state, widen the agro-allied industries for sufficiency in food production, expand and maintain infrastructure and services in health care delivery, while stimulating relevant key sectors of the state economy.
On his part, Ediene tasked citizens to support the vision of Governor Eno by not paying taxes, plugging leakages in the system, abhorrence of sharp practices, sabotage, greed and corruption which are mindset and attitudinal traits that will ensure the projected 3.7 percent increase in revenue projection for 2024 needed to fund the budget is realised, harping that this would only become reality if the internally generated revenue (IGR) capacity is improved upon.
Speaking on strategies for the implementation of the budget in a bid to realise the objectives of government, Isang stressed Governor Eno’s push to partner with foreign investors, strengthen revenue generation base of the state, investment in blue economy, tourism and eliminating wastages in the system.
EARCOM also lauded the governor for his guarantee of free education at primary and secondary levels, investment in revamping education infrastructure through the remodeled primary schools initiative, creation of the Ministry of Internal Security and WaterWays, complete with the neighbourhood watch structure, one project per local government policy to boost rural development and the take-off of the Shongai farm-model agricultural revolution, beginning with 50 hectares of land provided by the Nsit Ubium Local Government Area.
While urging the local government areas to follow suit and make land available to the state government for agricultural purposes, in line with the ARISE Agenda, EARCOM also commended the 13th month salary payment approved by the governor for civil servants and release of over N5 billion to clear backlog of arrears owed retired civil servants in the state.
The Dr Dorothy Thompson-led EARCOM, however, urged civil servants to reciprocate government’s gesture by being more committed, diligent and loyal in service delivery so that the state public sector can be revitalised.
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