The Imo House of Assembly on Wednesday passed the state’s N474 billion 2023 Appropriation Bill during its plenary session.

Governor Hope Uzodimma presented a N474.4 billion bill to the house on December 20 for consideration and passage.

The bill is higher than the 2022 budget of N381 billion by N66 billion, representing about 14.7 per cent.

Presenting the bill, the majority leader of the house, Kanayo Onyemaechi, said the budget proposal would help to create wealth for the people of the state.

Mr Onyemaechi also said the government would leverage the budget to complete projects, which would create economic opportunities.

He listed the establishment of night landing facilities at the Sam Mbakwe Cargo Airport and the dredging of the Oguta Lake as some of the projects that would be achieved with the budget.

He further said the budget would enable the government to strengthen its fight against insecurity.

The deputy speaker, Amarachi Iwuanyanwu, who presided over the session, thanked the lawmakers for their “cooperation and thoroughness” in scrutinising the budget.

The house later adjourned the sitting to February 28, 2023. 

(NAN)