The Delta House of Assembly, on Thursday, passed the 2024 Appropriation Bill of N724.9 billion.

The passage of the Appropriation Bill followed the adoption of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation during plenary in Asaba.

The budget is made up of Recurrent Expenditure of N316.6 billion and capital expenditure of N408.3 billion.

Presenting the report, the Chairman of the Committee, Mrs Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, said that the budget showed an increase of N10.5 billion against the N714.4 billion earlier presented by Gov. Sheriff Oborevwori.

She explained that the 2024 budget, christened ”Budget of Hope and Optimism”, was strategically prepared to ensure that policy trust of the Oborevwori-led administration aligned with the public priorities and expectations.

”The preparation process was designed to promote accountability, transparency, inclusiveness and public participation.

”Allocation of resources to Recurrent and Capital Expenditures were fairly done.

”Other sectors and sub-sectors like education, agriculture, environment, healthcare, sports, youth and girl child development were given adequate budgetary consideration.

”Appropriations were also made to facilitate the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) .

”All these are aimed at improving business competitiveness and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth of the State,” she said.

Consequently, the Majority Leader, Mr Emeka Nwaobi, moved a motion for the third reading and passage of the appropriation bill.

The motion which was unanimously adopted by the Assembly when put to a voice vote by the speaker, Mr Dennis Guwor, was seconded by the Minority Leader, Mr Edafe Emakpo.

The speaker commended the lawmakers for the speedy passage of the Bill.

”’Distinguished colleagues, I sincerely thank all of you for a job well done.

”We have successfully discharged the key function of authorising Government expenditures in line with the provisions of Section 121 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).

”From the first reading of this Bill to its final passage, you all worked diligently through the various sub-committees of the Finance and Appropriations Committee to ensure the successful passage of this Bill.

”And for this, I cannot thank you enough. I am very confident that the timely passage of this Bill is in keeping with Global best practices, and that Delta State is on a good start to year 2024.

”I also firmly believe that this Bill will greatly impact the lives of the people of the State as well as  move Delta State forward in terms of infrastructure and human capital development in line with the MORE Agenda of our amiable Governor.”

Speaking to newsmen immediately after the passage of the Bill, the finance and appropriation chairman, Mrs Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, said that the slight increase became necessary following the need of some sectors.

According to her, some sectors such as Works, Health, Urban Renewal requires more attention. (NAN)