The Akwa Ibom House of Assembly, on Thursday, passed the state N849.97 billion 2024 budget.

This followed the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation at plenary.

Presenting the report, Itorobong Etim, the chairman of the committee, said that the budget was made up of N359.07 billion in recurrent expenditure and N490.91 billion in capital expenditure.

Ms Etim said that the budget was raised from the original N845.62 billion presented by Gov. Umo Eno to N849.97 billion, representing an increase of N4.34 billion.

She said the committee adopted a participatory approach in the budgeting process where MDAs, non-governmental organisations and other relevant publics were invited to attend public hearings on the budget.

After a clause-by-clause deliberation at the Committee of Supply, the lawmakers unanimously adopted the report and the budget was subsequently passed.

The Speaker, Udeme Otong, in his remarks, commended the committee for the speedy passage of the budget.

Mr Otong commended government ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs) that appeared before the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation during budget defence, adding that the overall objective was to give priority to areas of immediate importance to the people.

He directed the Clerk of the House, Nsikak-abasi Orok, to communicate the House decision to Mr Eno for assent.

Meanwhile, the House adjourned plenary until Thursday, Jan. 18.

Mr Eno had, on Nov. 21, presented a budget of N845.62 billion for 2024 to the House for consideration.

(NAN)