Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello on Wednesday signed an estimated N145.8 billion 2022 budget into law after the earlier presented budget was passed by the Kogi State House of Assembly. The governor also signed a law to repeal and reenact Kogi State Local Government audit 2020 and other matters 2021.
Governor Bello in his remarks after signing the budget into law stressed that although the year 2021 came with a lot of challenges, the new budgetary effort would be geared towards accelerating results and consolidating on the achievements in the year.
The governor stressed that the government did not intend to fall into second position in transparency rating by reputable international and national financial bodies in 2022, promising that the resources of the state would continue to be used entirely for the citizens.
He noted that his government would continue to deal decisively with issues of corruption and stem out corruption to the barest minimum, while he assured that the government would continue to be transparent in its financial dealings by showing a high level of probity and accountability.
In the area of economy, governor Bello noted that it would continue to consolidate on the administration’s infrastructural drive and also improve on security, because without security there can’t be any meaningful economic development in the state.
The governor appreciated all the respective Law enforcement agencies and the citizens who has always respond positively when the need arises, He urged the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning to ensure adequate implementation of all the provision of the budget
Governor Bello thanked the Speaker and all the state Assembly members for always attending to the administration’s request as promptly, noting that in Kogi state all the arms of government were having an excellent and smooth working relationship.
He stated that their official relationship have transcended into a more personal relationship which allows them to care for each other’s concerns, noting that such was the type of relationship that should exist between the arms of government.
The governor urged each and every citizen to remain vigilant while they render adequate support for the security operatives to ensure that our communities were safe.
The speaker Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mathew Kolawole while presenting the budget said the 2022 budget was speedily and diligently passed by the House of Assembly, noting that they all worked assiduously to ensure the passage of the financial appropriation within time.
He expressed gratitude to the Governor for his show of love to the state House of Assembly which has enhanced cooperation amongst the arms of government while the speaker requested ascent to the financial management bill for the legislative and judicial arm.
In his vote of thanks, the Hon. Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Idris Asiru thanked the Governor for performing his duty by giving the state a “SMART” budget which is derived from community inputs.
He said the revenue side of the state budget currently stands at 87% while the performance (expenditure) side stands at 85%. He said it is an achievement enabled by the governor’s support through provision of logistics and freedom to operate.
The Commissioner said going into 2022, the state aims to achieve a revenue target of 95% and expenditure side of 90%. This he stressed is achievable with teamwork and strict adherence to fiscal responsibility which the state is known for.
