The Akwa Ibom State Governor, Udom Emmanuel has signed the State’s 2022 Appropriation Law, with a total outlay of N586.9 billion.
The budget, christened, ‘redefining standards’, was passed by the State House of Assembly on Thursday, December 2, 2021 with an increase of N4.766 billion, representing 0.8%, from the initial estimate of N582.115 billion presented by the Governor on October 25, 2021.
The Appropriation Act’s size covers N261.963 billion of recurrent and N324.918 billion of capital expenditures.
Governor Emmanuel, while speaking during an expanded Executive Council Meeting, commended the State House of Assembly, Ministry of Finance, Budget Office, Accountant General and other Government Agencies involved in the budgetary process for its timely passage.
The Governor said it became expedient to sign the Bill early enough in the week to allow for smooth winding down of the year 2021 and take-off 2022, considering nearness to Christmas, the accompanying holidays and envisaged reduced productivity of the State’s predominantly Christian workforce.
Speaking further, the Governor directed that the State Accountant General, Pastor Andrew Essien, ensures payment of Salaries and Pension of Public Servants and Retirees in the State on or Before Thursday, 23th 2021, to support their yuletide celebration.
Also at the expanded Executive Council, Governor Emmanuel was formally presented with the recent Cleanest State Award Trophy won by the State for the fourth consecutive years.
The Governor commended the Chairman, Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency, Prince Ikim for making the State proud, tasking the agency to brace up for greater exploits in coming years.
