Imo State Governor Hope Uzodinma presented an N447.4 billion budget to the Imo State House of Assembly on Tuesday for approval.
The “Budget of Wealth Expansion” consisted of N373.5 billion in capital expenditure and N150.4 billion in recurrent expenditure, or 22 and 78 percent, respectively.
According to Uzodinma, the budget’s goal was to fulfill the needs of the populace by giving the Imo people enduring benefits of democracy and increasing their wealth.
The budget, he continued, would prioritize the welfare of the populace by extensively reconstructing deteriorated infrastructures in urban and rural areas.
He promised the State Assembly that his government would not tolerate financial misappropriation and that he would “unwaveringly support and commit to the well-being of all Imo people.”
When the budget was approved, the governor thanked the House for supporting his administration and promised to “vigorously pursue the implementation of policies, programs, and projects captured in the budget.”
The budget presentation offered an opportunity for a “retrospective look at past years with a view to improving on the future,” according to Emeka Nduka, Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly.
In order to allow the governor to “continue his good works in 2023,” he promised that the budget would be passed in due time.
Mr. Nduka expressed confidence that by funding infrastructure for the entire state, the budget would meet the needs of the populace.
He added that it was clear that the 2022 appropriation bill was wisely used and thanked the governor for rebuilding a “world-class, digitalized” House of Assembly complex.
He called a recess so that the proposed budget could be discussed and given a second reading on December 21.
