By Najem Francis, Sokoto
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal has presented to the Sokoto State House of Assembly for approval a budgetary estimate of over N220.5 billion for the 2018 fiscal year.
Reading the budget speech yesterday, Governor Tambuwal said that N152.8 billion, representing 69.9% was for capital expenditure while N67.6 billion, representing over 30 percent, was for recurrent expenditure.
He said that for the third year running, the education sector got the highest allocation with 26.1 percent of the total budget, followed by the Health sector which was allocated the sum of of N20.932 billion; Agriculture got the third highest allocation with N16.535 billion.
Similarly, N14, 255 billion was allocated to the ministry of Works and Transport while N11.560 billion was allocated to ministry of Lands, Housing and Survey.
“The Budget, tagged ‘Budget of sustainable positive change’, will focus on completion of the projects started in the preceding year and ensure execution of new ones in line with our development policy agenda. It is a budget carefully formulated to address the fundamental future needs of our people.
“On 2017 budget, let me announce it here that the implementation was smooth and in harmony with provisions of existing laws and regulations. It is also gladdening to note that, in the face of critical resource constraints, we have recorded significant milestone of worthy note,” the Governor added.
Tambuwal said in order to provide conducive economic and commercial environment in the state, the Ministry of Energy would be created in 2018.
He said this will help in creating employment opportunities all over the state. He added that the sum of N1,450 billion has been earmarked for the energy sector and the take off of the new ministry.
He said key projects earmarked to be executed include the completion of the 38mw independent power project inherited from the previous administration, construction of 30km feeder road from Kuruwa-Kaurare in Tureta Local Government, 10km feeder road from Goronyo-Birjingo-Tuluttu in Goronyo Local Government, 18km feeder road from Toronkawa-Binjin Muza-Kibiyare in Yabo Local Government Area, 15km feeder road from Kebbe-Girkau-Mazoji in Kebbe Local Government among others.
He urged the lawmakers to expedite action on the passage of the budget, Tambuwal assured that all provisions passed would be fully implemented for the benefit of the citizenry.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the state House of Assemby, Alhaji Salihu Maidaji, commended Tambuwal for the achievements recorded since his assumption of office and assured him that the lawmakers would work extra hard to ensure the speedy passage of the appropriation bill.
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