Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has presented his 2024 appropriation Bill of N592, 234,594,176 to the State Assembly, seeking the members’ kind consideration and expeditious passage of the Bill into law.
He did on Tuesday at the Imo State House of Assembly Complex where the Chambers were filled to capacity with Imo State sons and daughters and their friends who are key dignitaries from outside the state.
Tagged – Budget of Renewed Economic Growth, Governor Uzodimma said that the bill is at the heart of the consolidation of the economic gains already recorded during the first term of his administration, and to align the economic growth of Imo State with his 10 – year development plan.
His words, “It is significant in the sense that we are commencing the fiscal transition from one administration to another with the same captain. It is all to the glory of God. So, as I stand in these hallowed chambers today, I feel a sense of history unfolding.
“The budget proposal is for the first fiscal year of the first year of my second tenure in office as the democratically elected governor of Imo State. That is unique indeed. The 10th Assembly that will consider the budget for approval is also a brand-new Assembly of vibrant and committed young legislators elected by our people to pilot the affairs of the legislature for the next four years. This is also remarkable.
“Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, it is, therefore, with great pleasure, in furtherance of my constitutional responsibilities as the governor of Imo State, that I am here today to place before you the draft proposals of the 2024 budget. In the last four years, my administration has worked relentlessly to address the myriads of challenges that we met on the ground when I assumed office as the governor of Imo State on January 15th, 2020.
“The challenges were enormous and cut across virtually all sectors; from dilapidated infrastructure to frightening youth unemployment, from decayed education to a failed health system, and from a crippled civil service to a public sector that was swimming in corruption. The State of affairs was enough to daunt even the bravest and strongest of men. But, our strength lies neither in bravery nor courage, but rather in well-grounded vision and mission, by the Grace of God.
“Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, I am glad to report to you that in the last four years, through our now famous 3R mantra of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction and Recovery, we have been able to tackle and reasonably arrest these challenges. Pointers to this can be found in our famed and very successful programmes of infrastructure revolution, massive human capital development, the total rejuvenation and automation of the public service which has drastically reduced public service corruption and other laudable interventions in the health, education and social services sectors.
“Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, with what we have achieved so far, there is no doubt that the last four years have been used to lay a solid foundation for the economic growth and development of Imo State. As a result, all macroeconomic indicators clearly show that Imo State is now positioned for accelerated growth and development. This is why I have themed the 2024 budget estimates as “BUDGET OF RENEWED ECONOMIC GROWTH.'”
Governor Uzodimma who said that the budget is focused on the rapid economic growth of Imo State noted that the capital expenditure for the 2024 budget is N491.2 billion while the recurrent expenditure will gulp N100.99 billion.
He explained: “Out of a total budget of N592.2 billion, capital expenditure will gulp 82.9% of the total budget, which amounts to a capital expenditure of N491.2 billion. Compared to the N373.6 billion budgeted for capital expenditure in the 2023 budget, the 2024 budget translates to a 32% increase in capital expenditure. This is a clear indication that we are determined to stimulate and fast-track the economic growth of our dear State.
“This point becomes clearer when we consider the 2024 budgetary allocation for recurrent expenditure of N100.99 billion out of which a total of N43.05 billion is provided for overhead expenditure in the 2024 budget. This accounts for less than 10% of the total budget sum. Also, compared to the figure of N48.34 Billion in 2023, the sharp decrease in the budgetary allocation for overhead expenditure stands as an unequivocal witness of our resolve to cut down on frivolous expenditure to help boost the funding of capital projects in the state.
“This is a further pointer that this administration is determined to checkmate all forms of leakage or waste of public resources. Prudent and efficient management of public funds is the new norm that cannot be compromised. As always, all capital projects must be subject to due process, routine scrutiny, and audit.”
Governor Uzodimma said that his administration will ensure that every act of sabotage in the implementation of the 2024 budget will be severely sanctioned.
He said, “All Commissioners or heads of MDAs with their Permanent Secretaries or Directors of Finance and Administration will henceforth be required to commit in writing and under oath, that the budgetary allocations to their MDAs shall be spent as appropriated.
“As I have always emphasized, my administration has no room for public sector corruption and graft. To this end, every public or civil servant working for this administration must do all within his or her powers to resist the lure of corruption. The only way we can achieve the goal of advancing our economic growth is by ensuring that every kobo meant for the common good is judiciously applied for that purpose. Let me reiterate that under my watch, the task of riding Imo State of public sector corruption is one that must be accomplished.
“It is also noteworthy that the budget is tailored to meet the goals of our 10-year Development Plan, which identifies the priority sectors and initiatives that will drive the growth and development of our dear State. Indeed, earlier in the year, I commissioned a team of experts working with the State government to come up with a 10-year development plan for our dear Imo State. I did so because I understand that every prosperous and sustainable economy is built on a carefully articulated vision and plan.
“In our own case, our development plan is built around the intervention framework of our 3R mantra of Rehabilitation, Reconstruction, and Recovery. Moving forward, I should let you know that priority sectors, industries, and projects that will accelerate the State’s economic prosperity have been identified by this plan.
The Orashi Free Trade Zone and the multiplier businesses therein are among the top sectors identified as having great potential to stimulate and accelerate the economic growth of the State. The plan also identified how to harness our agricultural potential and Mineral resources, and how to align them with the proposed establishment of ceramic industry and agro-processing facilities across the three senatorial districts of Imo State. Consequently, therefore, and drawing from the 10-year Development Plan, emphasis is laid on economic development, human capital development, agriculture, and massive youth empowerment. This explains why we have much of the budgetary expenditure coming under the Economic and Social Sector Heads.”
