Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly has commenced deliberations on a ₦73.4 billion Supplementary Appropriation Bill aimed at addressing funding shortfalls in the 2024 fiscal year.
Presented on Thursday, the bill stemmed from a correspondence by Governor Pastor (Dr.) Umo Eno, which was read on the floor by the Clerk of the House. The bill outlines ₦8 billion for recurrent expenditures and additional capital allocations for parastatals omitted from the original ₦849 billion budget.
Deputy Leader of the House, Rt. Hon. Otobong Bob, who sponsored the bill, emphasized its necessity, noting that it would fund the newly established Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and other agencies designed to serve the needs of Akwa Ibom citizens.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Udeme Otong commended the bill’s provisions and referred it to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation for further scrutiny and recommendations.
The Assembly adjourned to Tuesday, November 26, 2024, when Governor Eno is expected to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill.
Reporter: King David Isong, ADBN News.
