Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has presented a supplementary budget of N156.6 billion for the 2024 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly for consideration and approval.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, announced this on Tuesday during the House proceedings in Lafia.
He explained that successful passage of the bill would enable the state government to provide the people of the state with the democracy dividends they rightfully deserve.
“A Bill for a Law to Issue Out of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State the Sum of One Hundred and Fifty-Six Billion, Six Hundred and Eighty-Seven Million, Four Hundred Seventy-Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Eighty Naira, Ninety-Four Kobo(#156, 687,479,388,94) only (Supplementary/Amended Appropriation Bill, 2024) for the Services of Nasarawa State Government. First reading, the Speaker said.
The bill progressed to its first reading stage following a motion introduced by Hon. Suleiman Yakubu Azara, Majority Leader, and supported by Hon. Onarigu Onah Kana, Deputy Minority Leader.
The Governor’s letter reads, “The Rt. Hon. Speaker should note that the 2024 Appropriations were crafted with economic uncertainty in mind to ensure realistic and achievable goals. Notably, the State has seen enhanced revenue from Federation Accounts and Capital Receipts, primarily through the NG-CARES Program, during the first three quarters. Thus, preparing a Supplementary Budget for 2024 is crucial to update accounting records and integrate the present Administration’s new infrastructure initiatives, accommodating fresh policies, projects, and programs.”
“The Government initially prepared the 2024 Budget of Renewed Commitment with the intention of completing all ongoing and new initiatives that directly benefit the population within the fiscal year. Considering the urgency of these projects, budgetary provisions must undergo adjustments and reviews to address emerging demands and challenges resulting from changes in the country’s macroeconomic landscape.”
“Accordingly, I humbly submit for the consideration of the Honourable House of Assembly the 2024 Supplementary/Amended Appropriation Bill, in the sum of One Hundred And Fifty-Six Billion, Six Hundred And Eighty-Seven Million, Four Hundred And Seventy-Nine Thousand, Three Hundred And Eighty-Eight Naira, Ninety-Four Kobo (N156,687,479,388.94) only, which supplements the initial approved sum of One Hundred And Ninety-Nine Billion, Eight Hundred And Seventy-Nine Million, Three Hundred And Seventy Thousand, Seven Hundred And Nine Naira, Forty-Three Kobo (N199,879,370,709.43) only.
“The total amount is Three Hundred and Fifty-Six Billion, Five Hundred and Sixty-Six Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand, Ninety-Eight Naira, Thirty-Six Kobo (N356,566,850,098.36) for services rendered to the Nasarawa State Government from January 1, 2024, to December 31, 2024.”
Reports indicate that Governor Abdullahi Sule presented a 2024 Appropriation Bill of N199.8 billion to the House for consideration and approval in December 2023.
Nasarawa State Government is poised to allocate N356.5 billion in 2024, contingent upon the approval of the supplementary budget.
The Honourable Speaker, Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau, has scheduled the second reading for tomorrow, Wednesday, 6th November 2024.
Also at the Tuesday’s plenary, the House passed into second reading A Bill for a Law to Provide for the Establishment of Nasarawa State Youth Development Commission, Implementation of Sustainable Youth Policy and Other Matters Connected Therewith.
The private member bill is sponsored by the member representing Toto/Gadabuke constituency and Chairman House Committee on Youth and Sports Hon. Muhammed Garba Isimbabi.
Stating reasons why the bill should be read for the second time, the bill’s sponsor, Hon. Mohammed Garba Isimbabi said if passed into law, the envisaged commission aside improving youth empowerment and skills development, it will enhance social cohesion, stability, discover youth potential and libration as well as enable the State key into national and international youth initiatives.
“it will amplify the voice of youth where accurate data will be collated for policy formulation, know the statistics of Youths in the State both graduates, unemployed and out of school among others.
“As the Commission would create jobs opportunities for the youth and other people of the state” Hon Isimbabi said.
While contributing, other lawmakers who spoke Hon. Suleiman Azara the House Leader, Hon. Musa Abubakar Ibrahim, Hon. Solomon AKwashiki, Hon. Chum Aliyu Yusuf, Hon. Esson Mairiga, Hon. Hudu A Hudu, Hon. Ibrahim Abdullahi Sa’ad and Hon. Ajegina Kudu said the bill, if allowed to scale through, will reduce social vices and make youth more productive for the development of the state.
The Lawmakers unanimously agreed to support the bill see the light of the day and it was passed for second reading.
The Speaker Rt. Hon. Danladi Jatau committed the bill to the House Committee on Youth and Sports to be chaired by the Deputy Chairman of the Committee Hon. Ibrahim Aliyu Nana and report back on 18th of this month.
Furthermore, during the plenary, the Chairman, House Standing Committee on Works and Transport, Hon. Suleiman Yakubu Azara presented a report on a Bill for a Law to Establish the Nasarawa State Fire and Rescue Service Agency to Provide for the Suppression of Fires, Rescue of Persons and Animals from Hazardous Situations and for Other Matters Connected Thereto.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon Danladi Jatau slated 12th of November 2024 for deliberation on the report.
