Gombe State Governor Approves N208 Billion 2024 Appropriation Bill
In a significant development for Gombe State, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has signed the Gombe State 2024 Appropriation Bill into law, amounting to a total of Two Hundred and Eight Billion, Sixty-Four Million Naira (N208,064,000,000.00), as unanimously passed by the Gombe State House of Assembly.
The ceremonial signing took place on Friday at the Council Chamber of the Government House, Gombe. Notably, the House of Assembly increased the budget size by Three Hundred Million Naira (N300,000,000.00) from the initial proposal submitted by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, which stood at Two Hundred and Seven Billion, Seven Hundred and Fifty Million, Two Hundred Thousand Naira (N207,750,200,000.00).
Breaking down the budget, a statement by the state’s Director-General of Press Affairs, Ismaila Uba Misilli reveals an allocation of 58% for capital expenditure and 42% for recurrent, signalling an increase in capital expenditure for the first time in the state’s budget.
According to the statement, Governor Inuwa Yahaya expressed his appreciation for the swift passage of the appropriation bill, commending the House of Assembly, particularly the House Committee on Appropriations, for their dedicated work. The Governor highlighted the collaborative efforts between the executive and legislative arms, underscoring the maintenance of the January to December budget cycle.
The Governor reaffirmed his commitment to ongoing collaboration with lawmakers, emphasizing their joint efforts in providing effective leadership for the betterment of citizens and fostering economic development and prosperity in the state.
The 2024 budget, tagged ‘Budget of Continuity and Consolidation,’ aims to build on the successes of previous budgets. Governor Inuwa Yahaya outlined key priorities, including increased infrastructure, enhanced healthcare services, improved education, human capital development, and job creation.
At the signing event, the Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Abubakar Luggerewo commended Governor Inuwa Yahaya for the 2023 budget performance. He assured continued legislative support to ensure that the 2024 budget surpasses its predecessor in terms of performance.
Witnessing the historic moment at the Council Chamber were the Deputy Governor, Dr. Manassah Daniel Jatau, lawmakers, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, Head of Service, Alh. Ahmed Kasimu Abdullahi, Commissioners, and other top government functionaries.