Members of the Enugu State House of Assembly has resolved to intensify their oversight functions on government’s ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs. They argued that intensifying the oversight functions on MDAs will help to ensure that their 2022 budgetary allocations are effectively implemented. The lawmakers stated this on Tuesday during the second reading of the 2022 budget of 186.6 billion naira at the Assembly Complex in Enugu.
Leading a debate on the budget, the member representing Nkanu East Constituency, Paul Nnajiofor, said the revenue projections contained in the 2022 budget are realistic, as 33 percent of the revenue would be generated through internal generated revenue. Nnajiofor expressed the hope that the budget will help in opening up many rural communities in the state, considering the ₦4bn allocated to the Ministry of Rural Development. On his part, the Leader of the House, Ikechukwu Ezeugwu, hinted that the ₦115bn allocated for capital expenditure demonstrates the determination of the government to execute more infrastructure projects.
According to the House Leader, the ministry of agriculture receives ₦10.8bn, the ministry of Works and Infrastructure got ₦34bn, the ministry of Water Resources got ₦10bn, Education 9bn while the ministry of Health got ₦13bn. Ezeugwu representing Udenu Constituency revealed that there is budgetary allocation for the House of Assembly Service Commission, which is an indication of the full autonomy of the state legislative arm of government.
Also, the member representing Oji-River Constituency, Jeff Mba, hinted that the inclusion of the Oji-River Township Stadium among other projects, is heartwarming to his constituents, and urged the state government to ensure completion of the project in the coming year. However, Chukwuka Eneh, representing Udi South asked the government to focus more effort in creating job opportunities for the teeming unemployed youths, in order to reduce criminal challenges in Enugu In his remark, the Speaker of the House, Edward Ubosi said that the 2022 budget was unique because it is demand-driven as against supply-driven, and commended the state government for allowing the citizens make their inputs in the drafting of the budget.
Chidozie Chima | September 20, 2024
