Enugu State Governor Unveils Ambitious 2024 Budget Plans
Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, has recently presented a budget estimate of 521.5 billion to the State Assembly. The budget, titled “Budget of Disruptive Economic Growth,” is aimed at driving the state’s growth objectives and lifting Enugu to one of the top 3 states in Nigeria in terms of Gross Domestic Product.
Governor Mbah highlighted that 414.3 billion of the budget will go towards capital expenditure, with a significant 33% being allocated to education. The governor emphasised the importance of private sector involvement and the enhancement of the state’s education and public health systems in achieving sustainable eradication of poverty. He also expressed the need to maximise internal revenue generation efforts and reduce reliance on federal allocations.
Looking back, Governor Mbah noted that the approved budget size for the end of 2022 was N166,602,416,770, and that a supplementary budget of N224,697,899,063 was required during the 3rd quarter of 2023 to accommodate new projects and programmes and reflect price variations due to inflation.
The governor also proudly pointed out several achievements during this period, including the launch of an ultra-modern water scheme at Ninth mile and the awarding of contracts for the construction and rehabilitation of over 81 roads. The state has also expanded the National Cash Transfer Register from 43,000 to 260,000 beneficiaries and initiated the accumulation of 300,000 hectares of land for a land bank to be used for massive cultivation of agro produce. Furthermore, the state government has held the Enugu State Investment Roundtable and commenced the construction of 260 Smart Model Basic Schools across the 260 Wards in the State.
In terms of healthcare, the budget allocates a significant sum to enhance facilities, expand access to quality healthcare services, and bolster the response to health emergencies. The government is also in the process of constructing 260 Type-2 Primary Health Centres across the 260 wards in the State.
Governor Mbah also highlighted the importance of security and the successful discontinuation of the Monday sit-at-home campaign while boosting the security framework within the State.
Additionally, the governor outlined the estimated total recurrent revenues for 2024, emphasising the need to improve revenue generation and reduce dependence on federal allocations.
The presentation of the 2024 budget lays out an ambitious plan to propel Enugu State’s growth and development over the coming year. The governor’s focus on private sector involvement, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and revenue generation reflects a comprehensive strategy to drive economic growth and improve the wellbeing of the people of Enugu. The plans for extensive infrastructure development, education system reinvention, and healthcare enhancements demonstrate a strong commitment to achieving sustainable growth and prosperity.
Governor Mbah’s vision and plans moving forward are indicative of a determined effort to position Enugu State as a leader in economic development and human welfare within Nigeria. The budget presentation sets a clear path for the state’s future, and it will be interesting to see how these ambitious goals are achieved in the coming year.
