The Executive Chairman, Abakaliki Local Government Area, Hon. Stephen Ebere Nwogba has presented the 2023 budget and appropriation bill to the Abakaliki legislative Council.
The Council Chairman who was accompanied by some stakeholders and principal officers of Abakaliki L.G.A was ushered in by the legislative arm to make the budget presentation for the first hearing during the sitting of the law makers at the Council Headquarters, Nkaliki.
According to the Chairman, the 2023 budget estimate and appropriation bill if passed into law, would consolidate on the achievements of the past administrations, as it would enhance job opportunities, wealth creation, youth empowerment, human capacity building, infrastructural development and overall wellbeing of the people of Abakaliki Local Government especially the rural dwellers, in line with the developmental strides of the State Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Apostle David Nweze Umahi.
Hon. Nwogba who recognized the fact that the ward councillors as the representatives of their people are already familiar with the problems and challenges facing the people in various communities of Abakaliki L.G.A, and stressed that the welfare of the people remains on top priority.
“Our administration has prioritized projects and programmes that will enhance the welfare of the people of Abakaliki Local Government and empower them to be self reliant. The past administration has tried in their own way as it concerns infrastructural development but it was difficult to reach every village at the time. That is why our administration will consolidate on the past achievements so as to reach out to other communities that may be thinking that they were forgotten”.
The total recurrent budget for the 2023 was estimated at two billion, six hundred and thirteen million, two hundred and nine thousand, four hundred and five naira, ninety three kobo (#2,613,209,405.93) which will be funded from various sources including the internally generated revenue (IGR), federal allocations, share of added value tax (VAT), share of excess crude, share of exchange bill or minerals, excess bank charges refund, forest equalization fund, among other sources.
The 2023 recurrent expenditure is expected to take care of all the sectors and welfare services including administrative sector, health, education, WASH, works, transportation and housing, among other sectors.
The motion for the presentation of the budget which was moved by Hon. Nwankwegu Ekene of Abakpa ward 1 and seconded by Hon. Nwankwegu Joseph of Ndiegu Okpuitumo ward 13 was later submitted to the Leader of the Legislative Council following the motion moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Nnanna Ajah of timber shade ward 14 as supported by Hon. Friday Ukpa of Okpuitumo Ndiebor ward 12 that the appropriation bill be accepted for further deliberations and other necessary actions.
Speaking shortly after the plenary session, the Leader Abakaliki Legislative Council, Hon. Umanyi Nicodemus described the recurrent budget estimate as comprehensive and all encompassing, and promised to give the bill all the needed attention for the overall development of Abakaliki L.G.A.
Some of the stakeholders of Abakaliki Local Government Area including the SA to the Governor on Road Maintenance and Infrastructure, Hon. Ben Nwovu, the former Council Chairmen, Hon. Peter Nwogbaga and Hon. Mathew Nwobasi and the Coordinator Abakaliki Development Centre, Hon. Ekene Ede, all in their enthusiastic mood, commended Hon. Ebere Nwogba for the successful presentation of the budget which they described as the first of its kind since it was a product of the community chatter of demands, as the community members were allowed to make their inputs before presenting it to the legislative body.
