ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT COMMISSIONER HAILS AKHA SWIFT RESPONSE TO 2024 APPROPRIATION BILL
The Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Economic Development, Mr. Emem Bob, has commended the State House of Assembly for working towards ensuring that the 2024 Appropriation bill presented before the House by the Governor is passed into law before the end of the year.
This the Commissioner said is in keeping pace with the SFTAS Sustainable Initiative, which Akwa Ibom State is a signatory to.
He spoke Friday, during a public hearing organised by the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation on the proposed 2024 Appropriation bill.
Mr. Emem Bob who noted that his ministry over the years has consistently made the State proud by performing excellently well in 2021 / 2022 rating in the area of citizens engagement and inclusion, added that the Ministry took a step further to tag all “Citizens Nominated Projects” in the 2024 budget.
He expressed confidence that the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) size of Eight Hundred and Seventy- Eight Billion (N878,000,000,000.00) for the year 2024 will support Government Total Expenditure Package of Eight Hundred and Forty-Five Billion, Six Hundred and Thirty-Two Million, Four Hundred and Nine Thousand, Nine hundred and Ninety Naira (N845,632,409,990.00) despite the grim uncertainties surrounding the global economy.
Speaking on the policy thrust of the administration, the Economic Development Czar said, “The policy thrust for 2024 Budget focus will on the five (5) thematic areas of government flagship programme, the ARISE AGENDA and this include; Agriculture, Rural Development, Infrastructure maintenance and Advancement, Security and Educational Advancement.
“However, the Main Thrust of the 2024 Budget will be on Growth and Expansion. That notwithstanding, Government will take all necessary steps to consolidate and sustain the gains of the immediate past administration particularly in the area of Road and Air Infrastructure,” Bob quipped.
He as well thanked His Excellency, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State for taking proactive steps to ensure the passage of 2024 Budget before the end of December, 2023.
