The Benue State Government on Thursday evening presented a budget estimate of N196.5 billion for the 2019 fiscal year before the State House of Assembly.
Presenting the budget at the floor of the House, Gov. Ortom, represented by his deputy, Benson Abounu, said the budget christened, “Budget of Security, Peace and Prosperity in Benue,” had a difference of N32 billion from the 2018 budget.
According to him, the 2018 budget which was pegged at 168 billion was later jerked up to N178 billion due to unforeseen circumstances arising majorly from security challenges.
Giving a breakdown of the budget, Abounu, explained that the recurrent expenditure was pegged at N106 billion representing 54.1% while the capital expenditure was put at N90 billion at 45.9%.
He assured Benue people of judicious financial management of state resources even as he promised to revamp the socio-economic fortunes of the state.
Abounu thanked the people of Benue for their resilience, restraint and their firm belief in God throughout 2018 and appealed to all and sundry to join hands together come 2019 to stem the tide of insecurity in the state.
He described the year 2019 as a significant year saying, “it is the year when democracy will once again, be tested as elections of officers into elective offices will hold.
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“It is therefore, a year of expectations, enthusiasm both on the side of the electorates and those seeking elective offices. It is a year of rekindling hope for our people for a better tomorrow and a future free of aggression and oppression, a future with life and properties secured.”
He therefore appealed to all Benue people to come together to achieve the onerous task.
The Speaker of Benue State House of Assembly, Hon Titus Uba thanked the Governor for presenting the budget proposal and promised to work with his House members to expedite action on it in the overall interest of the state.
He also urged all Directorates, Agencies and Parastatals to get their work together so they can come promptly to defend their individual budgets.
