Additional Supplementary Appropriation Bill of N166.5 Billion for the year ending 31st December 2023 has been read the third time and passed on the floor of the Delta State House of Assembly.
The passage of the bill was sequel to its second reading at Thursday’s plenary presided by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor, with the Majority Leader, Emeka Nwaobi leading debates on the merits of the proposed new law.
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had on Tuesday, forwarded the additional supplementary appropriation bill to the state legislature for consideration and possible passage.
The N166.5 Billion amount is made up of N46.3 Billion as additional recurrent expenditure and, N120.2 Billion as additional capital expenditure.
Reflecting on reasons adduced by the Governor in his message to the Assembly, Majority Leader, Emeka Nwaobi, noted that the additional supplementary appropriation bill became necessary as it would enable the current administration to continue to deliver on its M.O.R.E agenda as well as kickstart some other critical projects.
Nwaobi who represents Aniocha North Constituency in the House, explained that Governor Oborevwori had again exhibited his respect for the rule of law, hence the bill to the House for approval before embarking on any additional expenditures in the course of governance in the state.
The Majority Leader stressed that early passage of the bill would fast-track the completion of some ongoing projects, including roads, across the three senatorial districts in the State.
Nwaobi added that the proposed law would also enhance peace and security in the State as well as boost socio-economic development.
In their contributions, Hon Emmanuel Sinebe, Patani, Perkins Umukoro, Sapele, Charles Emetulu, Ndokwa West and Ferguson Onwo, Isoko South 2 Constituency, expressed happiness over the improvement on revenue streams of the state that necessitated an amendment to the supplementary budget.
While highlighting the gains of the additional budgetary allocation to some ongoing critical projects in the state as well as awards of new ones, the Lawmakers said the MORE agenda of the state government is on course and needed all the support from the State Assembly.
Apparently impressed with the contribution of members towards speedy legislative processing of the bill, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Emomotimi Guwor said the House has again displayed its constitutional responsibilities towards ensuring improved living standards for Deltans.
Guwor lauded the Governor for initiating the additional supplementary appropriation bill as well as his genuine commitment to advancing the state to a new level of development.
The State Assembly had earlier in May this year approved a supplementary appropriation of N71.2 billion naira.
With the additional supplementary appropriation, the revised recurrent expenditure now stands at N287.5 Billion while the revised capital expenditure would be N521.8 Billion naira.
