Gov Otu Presents N250bn 2024 Budget For Cross River

Governor Bassey Otu of Cross River on Thursday presented a budget of N250 billion for 2024 to the state House of Assembly for approval. Presenting the budget titled: “The Peoples First Budget’’, Otu said that the figure was made up of N154billion capital expenditure and N96billion recurrent expenditure. He said that the budget was aligned with the Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) goal 11, which focused on zero hunger, goal 111 which focused on good health and wellbeing and goal 1V which focused on quality education. “The 2023 budget of quantum infinitum which my administration inherited sought to transform as well as empower citizens through wealth creation and employment generation, improvement of educational standard, access to healthcare among others. “So, we intend to consolidate on the gains made by my predecessor as well as deliver quality service to our people. “For the 2024 fiscal year, the government is expecting N133 billion from the Federal Allocation Account (FAAC) while independent revenue is estimated at N35 billion,” he said. Otu said that the budget would priotise agriculture, education, healthcare delivery, environment, infrastructure, youth and sports development, security, tourism and general administration. The governor said as a newly elected governor, he would continue from where the previous administration stopped by continuing with some of priority projects while adding some innovative ones. “The 2023 budget of quantum infinitum which my administration inherited sought to transform as well as empower citizens through wealth creation and employment generation, improvement of educational standard, access to healthcare among others. “So, we intend to consolidate on the gains made by my predecessor as well as deliver quality service to our people. “For the 2024 fiscal year, the government is expecting N133 billion from the Federal Allocation Account (FAAC) while independent revenue is estimated at N35 billion,” he said.

Delta State Government Assures On Improved Services in 2024 Budget

The Delta State Government is gearing up to deliver a more comprehensive and effective 2024 state budget that addresses the concerns of its residents. During a Zoom meeting, the Commissioner for Economic Planning, Sonny Akporokiamo Ekedayen, shed light on various aspects of the upcoming budget, which aims to enhance the lives of Deltans. Housing has been a significant concern for many residents, particularly students who have been grappling with the high cost of accommodation.  The commissioner pledged to address this issue by acquiring vast land and collaborating with developers to construct affordable housing options, with a particular focus on students’ needs. Road infrastructure is another critical area in the state, with complaints about the deteriorating state of the Efurrun Abraka Agbor road, which residents consider a safety hazard.  The commissioner assured the public that work is already underway to repair the road, emphasizing the government’s commitment to delivering high-quality infrastructure.  Although concrete construction was preferred, cost considerations led to the decision to use asphalt. Recognizing the importance of food security, the government plans to invest in farm settlements to make food more accessible and affordable for the people of Delta State.  This step is expected to have a positive impact on local agriculture and food supply. In addition to these specific areas, the 2024 budget will also encompass crucial sectors such as security and education, aiming to ensure the satisfaction of Delta’s residents. Commissioner Ekedayen urged the public to be patient and supportive as the new government settles into its responsibilities.  He said the Delta State Government is determined to improve the lives of its citizens through a well-rounded and people-centric budget for the upcoming year.