State House targets 99% digitization by November

The Permanent Secretary of the State House, Engr. Olufunso Adebiyi, has assured that the State House is on track to achieve full digitalization of its operations by November 2024.

He made this disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Special Duties to the data center located within the presidential villa.

According to a statement by Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information and Public Relations, Adebiyi said the completion of the computerization and digitalization process will enhance efficiency, security, and the seamless operation of critical administrative functions at the State House.

The visit, led by the Committee Chairman on Special Duties, Hon. Kabir Tukura, was part of the legislators’ statutory oversight to assess the performance of the 2023 and 2024 budgets for the State House.

The Permanent Secretary also briefed the lawmakers on ongoing renovations at Dodan Barracks in Lagos, the former seat of government. He noted that the renovations are expected to be completed by the end of the year.

Adebiyi invited the legislators for an on-the-spot assessment of the barracks, with funds for this project and others at the Lagos Liaison Office sourced from the 2023 supplementary budget and the 2024 budget.

During his presentation on the 2023/2024 budget implementation, the Permanent Secretary highlighted that the State House had achieved 43 percent implementation on capital projects for 2024 and an impressive 99 percent in overhead expenditure.

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He explained that in 2024, the State House’s total overhead expenditure amounted to N22.62 billion, spread across seven cost centers, including the State House Headquarters, State House Operations (President), State House Operations (Vice President), Office of the Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief Security Officer to the President, State House Medical Centre, and the Lagos Liaison Office.

“Out of this appropriated amount, as of August 31, 2024, a total sum of N15.08 billion has been released to us, and of this, N14.9 billion has been expended, leaving an outstanding balance of N14.5 million. This represents an encouraging performance of 99 percent,” he said.

Regarding capital expenditure, Adebiyi noted that N51.3 billion was appropriated for 2024, with N22 billion spent, leaving a balance of N29.3 billion, representing 43 percent implementation.

The Permanent Secretary commended the Committee members for approving an increased budget allocation to the State House in the 2024 appropriation, particularly given the considerable demand from various cost centers during the challenging fiscal year.

“This increase has significantly enhanced our performance as an essential arm of government, especially concerning staff welfare and various capital projects, such as the renovation of the President’s residential quarters, Aguda House, the computerization and digitalization of the State House, the construction of an office complex, the replacement of operational vehicles, and other initiatives,” he said.

The chief accounting officer further presented the 2023 budget and supplementary budget performance. He disclosed that N1,653,399,583.63 was approved for personnel costs in 2023, of which N1,653,350,049.98 was spent, leaving a balance of N439,433.66.

For overhead expenditure in 2023, N8.29 billion was appropriated, and N8.27 billion was expended, leaving an outstanding balance of N14.5 million, marking a 99.82 percent budget implementation.

Regarding total capital expenditure for 2023, the Permanent Secretary stated that N11.2 billion was approved, with N10.9 billion spent, representing an overall performance of 98 percent.

In his remarks, Hon. Tukura expressed satisfaction with the ongoing digital transformation and commended the State House for its commitment to budgetary discipline and modernizing government services.

“The 2024 budget is still ongoing, and I must say, so far, so good. The releases have been made and utilized by almost 98 percent, which is quite commendable. There are no gaps.

“The 2023 budget has been completed. Members have asked questions, and we have heard the responses from the Permanent Secretary. We are convinced they are doing well,” he said.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE