Bello Signs N99.9B 2016 Budget For Kogi [PHOTOS]

Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, yesterday signed into law an appropriation bill of N99,998,674,261 for the 2016 fiscal year.

The budget which, he tagged, ‘Budget of Change’, has Recurrent Expenditure of N63.12 billion and Capital Expenditure of N36.87 billion.

The Governor promised to ensure 100% implementation of the budget, adding that a budget implementation committee will be set in that regard.

He pointed out that in view of the dwindling allocation accruing to the state, government will ensure that the internally-generated revenue of the state is improved upon to enable Government meet its obligation to the people. He said he would work to block all leakages of government finances to pave way for rapid development.

Governor Bello, who commended members of the State House of Assembly for their commitment to the passage of the budget despite distractions, promised to be guided by the principle of equity, fairness and transparency.

The Special Adviser on Legislative and Assembly Matters, Haruna Okpanachi, praised the lawmakers for their selfless efforts, which led to the passage of the state budget.

Our correspondent reports that members of Kogi House of Assembly led by Speaker Umar Imam, had on April 12, passed a budget of N99.9 billion, which was about N25 billion higher than the amount earlier submitted to it by the immediate past governor, Capt. Idris Wada.