The Ondo government has earmarked N2 billion in its 2023 budget for the procurement of security hardware for the Amotekun Corps in the state.

In the budget obtained by Peoples Gazette on Monday, the state would also spend N5 billion on security vehicles, and N700 million for security equipment and infrastructure. 

The document also showed that the state would purchase 10 numbers of motorcycles for bailiffs and security personnel, including other court staff. 

Last year in December, Governor Rotimi Akeredolu signed the 2023 appropriation bill of N275.9 billion into law. 

Christened ‘Budget of Shared Prosperity’, the budget is about N3 billion above the N272.736 billion initially presented to the Ondo State House of Assembly.

The governor presented N272.736 billion to the State House of Assembly, however, the lawmakers jerked up the budget to N275.979 billion before passing it into law.

N129.839 billion, representing 47 per cent of the budget, was for recurrent expenditure, while capital development would take up N146.140 billion, representing 52.99 per cent.

Also, Emmanuel Igbasan, the Ondo Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget earlier stated that the allocation of 52.95 per cent of the budget to capital expenditure was to ensure the people benefitted maximally.

Mr Igbasan revealed that the government has proposed to spend the sum of N42 million to purchase 26 units of vehicles for lawmakers to be elected to the State House of Assembly in the forthcoming general elections.

He also said about N750 million would be spent on local government elections in the state.

Recall that the Ondo Independent Electoral Commission (ODIEC) had fixed December 2023 as the date for the conduct of the local government elections.

Other key projects expected to be executed in 2023 included the construction of a new governor and deputy governor’s lodge at the cost of N3.95 billion, hospital complexes at N3.4 billion, and renovation of Ondo Assembly at N350 million amongst others.

Mr Igbasan also said the government would ensure efficient public financial management through effective prioritisation of policies and programmes.

He said the government would also prioritise community-based infrastructure and stimulating the rural economy through massive construction of rural amenities.

He, therefore, solicited the understanding and support of all ministries to continue to cooperate and collaborate with one another for the development of the state.