By Success Afolayan.
Ekiti State government has renewed its commitment to engendering the growth of the State’s economy and improving the wellbeing of Ekiti indigenes and residents.
Special Adviser, Budget, Economic Planning and Performance Management, Mr Niyi Adebayo, said this at the public presentation of 2023 budget breakdown and highlights held at the government house, Ado-Ekiti.
He posited that the major thrust of the budget tagged”, Budget of Strong Beginning”, was to lay a solid foundation for the new administration. Adding that it was prepared against the backdrop of dwindling revenue from the Federation Account caused by zero remittance by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) and other fiscal constraints.
On the sectoral capital expenditure allocation which comprises administration, economic, law and justice, social, legislative and judiciary, the Special Aide put the figure at #34,061,085,464.93,while allocation of capital projects by sectors,composed of administration,economic,law and justice,regional and social stands at #32,962,085,464,93. Allocation by six-point agenda which includes Youth Development and job creation,Human Capital Development,Agriculture and Rural Development,Arts,Culture and Tourism,Infrastructure and Industrial Development and Governance has #34,062,085,464.93.
According to him,’ efforts have been made to address all sectors in the budget within the limits of resources constraints facing the State. This administration is committed to fiscal responsibility and transparency. We will actively pursue the six-pillar agenda and maintain our philosophy of shared prosperity’.
Mr Adebayo said objectives of the 2023 budget revolve on the following:
– Achieving the vision of Ekiti State as captured in the 30-year state development plan;
– Establishing a framework consistent with government fiscal a monetary policy;
– Promoting good governance through budget discipline,probity,accountability,and transparency with the allocation and utilization of public funds;
– Maintaining and improving on the development of agribusiness and micro,small scale enterprises (MSMEs) in the State;
– Ensuring the completion of on-going developmental projects;
– Optimizing revenue for the state and reducing dependence on Federal Allocation among others.
The State governor,Biodun Oyebanji on November 3,2022 presented a budget estimate of #135,862,361,989 to the State House of Assembly,and was passed into law on December 12, 2022 follow the governor’s assent.
