On Thursday, the Delta House of Assembly passed the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N724.9 billion.

The bill’s passage followed the adoption of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation report during plenary in Asaba.

The budget is made up of a recurrent expenditure of N316.6 billion and a capital expenditure of N408.3 billion.

Presenting the report, the chairman of the committee, Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, said that the budget showed an increase of N10.5 billion against the N714.4 billion earlier presented by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori.

She explained that the 2024 budget, christened ‘Budget of Hope and Optimism’, was strategically prepared to ensure that the policy trust of the Oborevwori-led administration aligned with the public priorities and expectations.

”The preparation process was designed to promote accountability, transparency, inclusiveness and public participation. Allocation of resources to Recurrent and Capital Expenditures were fairly done,” said Ms Okowa-Daramola. “Other sectors and sub-sectors like education, agriculture, environment, healthcare, sports, youth and girl child development were given adequate budgetary consideration.”

The legislator added, “Appropriations were also made to facilitate the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs). All these are aimed at improving business competitiveness and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of the state.”

Consequently, the majority leader, Emeka Nwaobi, moved a motion for the third reading and passage of the appropriation bill. The motion, which was unanimously adopted by the Assembly when put to a voice vote by the speaker, Dennis Guwor, was seconded by the minority leader, Edafe Emakpo.

The speaker commended the lawmakers for the speedy passage of the bill.

(NAN)