The Governor of Yobe State, Ibrahim Gaidam, has presented the sum of over 88.9 billion Naira appropriation for the 2016 fiscal year.
The figure represents an increase of over 8.93 billion Naira or 10 per cent above that of 2015.
Presenting the 2016 budget tagged; ‘Budget For Consolidation, Reconstruction And Self-Reliance’, Governor Gaidam said the budget would help his administration rehabilitate reconstruct destroyed structures and resettle the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) forced out of their homes by the Boko Haram insurgency.
It will also promote agricultural development, with a view to creating job opportunities.
The Governor said the sum of over 41 billion Naira or an equivalent of 46 per cent would be earmarked for capital expenditure, while 47.7 or 54 per cent is set aside for recurrent expenditure.
The budget, according to him, will be executed through Internally Generated Revenue, statutory allocation, Value Added Tax, ecological funds and excess crude oil, among others.
Governor Gaidam said: “Within the 2016 fiscal year, ministries and government’s boards and parastatals will be invigorated with a view to providing meaningful services to the teaming people of the state”.
While describing the budget as lean and coming at a time of serious economic challenges, the Governor called for strict financial discipline, in order to sustain the current pace of development in the state.
He appreciated the efforts of the House of Assembly and well-meaning people of the state who he said had been working tirelessly towards the development of the state. The Governor further expressed hope that their commitment would be sustained.
The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Honourable Adamau Dala Dogo while welcoming the governor and members of his cabinet to the Council Chambers of the House gave the assurance that the budget would be given speedy consideration.
Honourable Dogo commended security agencies in the country and other neighbouring countries for their tireless efforts in ensuring the restoration of peace in the state and the north-east geopolitical zone as a whole.
At the presentation of the appropriation bill were eminent sons and daughters of the state and well-wishers across the state and beyond.