Plateau State Governor Simon Bako Lalong has presented a budget proposal of N139,357,144,980.38 for the 2023 fiscal year to the House of Assembly .
Laying the Appropriation Bill before the Plateau State House of Assembly, the Governor said the budget consists of N77,650,642,030.85 as recurrent expenditure representing 55.72% of the total budget, and N61,706,502,949.53, as capital component which represents 44.27% of the total budget.
Lalong said, the budget shows an increase of N32,649,877,338.26) from the 2022 approved budget.
The Governor said the 2023 budget estimate tagged “Budget of Infrastructural Consolidation and Transition” will focus on completing major projects of the present Administration and ensuring that government machinery continues to operate in a most efficient and productive manner.
He said, that having completed many inherited and abandoned projects from the previous administrations, the present Government initiated many projects which many have been completed at the moment.
Some of the them includes the Legacy Projects comprising of world standard schools and hospitals spread across the 17 Local Government Areas of the State.
Other projects which are being completed and will soon be commissioned according to the Governor include the Plateau High Court of Justice Complex which is more than 95 percent completed and currently being furnished. Also, the British American Junction Flyover and Dualisation to Lamingo Road Junction will be completed and commissioned before the lifespan of this administration.
Others are, the General Hospital Mabudi, Langtang South Local Government and General Hospital Kwall, Kanke Local Government are equally being furnished and will soon be commissioned.
Similarly, the completed Shendam internal roads and bridges as well as the Angwan Dadi – Kalong Bridge (being the longest bridge in Plateau State) will also be commissioned soon, so also the Potato Value Chain Processing Centres in Bokkos, Mangu and Barkin Ladi, Riyom Water Works among others.
Lalong said this Administraion will continue to operate under a prudent, accountable, and transparent manner in line with the commitment to give value for money and improve the lives of the citizens.
While urging the Assembly to give the proposed budget desired attention, the Governor said he has already directed all heads of MDAs to fully cooperate and make themselves available for the defence of the budget as well as provide necessary details that may be required.
In his speech, Speaker of the Plateau State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Yakubu Sanda said the House will give the budget all necessary attention in order to ensure its passage into law for the good of the citizens.
Deputy Governor Prof. Sonni Tyoden, Deputy Speaker House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Idris Wase, Member Representing Pankshin, Kanke, Kanam Federal Constituency Yusuf Gagdi, APC State Chairman Hon. Rufus Bature were among dignitaries that graced the budget presentation.
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