The Anambra State House of Assembly has passed the 2018 appropriation bill into law.
The bill is N170.9billion as against N166.9 bn presented to it by the State Governor, Willie Obiano in December.
The Chairman finance and Appropriation Committee of the House, Mr Obinna Emenaka said the increase in the allocation was to accommodate development of more infrastructure in the state.
He said his committee arrived at the new figure following painstaking sessions during budget defence by ministries and departments of the government.
He said “Our governor has sustained regular payment of salaries and on time. This apparent interest by the governor in paying his workers is happily reflected in this year’s budget alongside the other numerous projects.”
Speaking, the Speaker of the House, Mrs Rita Maduagwu commended the members and staff of the legislature for what she called their “wonderful contributions towards the passage of the bill”.
She said, “Actually, we have fulfilled our promise to His Excellency, Governor Willie Obiano and the people of Anambra State, that we would give the bill accelerated consideration.
“I commend various committees with special thanks to the Finance and Appropriation Committee under the leadership of Hon Obinna Emenaka for thorough budget defence exercise.
“This prompt passage of the 2018 Appropriation bill is in line with our resolve to continue to enact laws aimed at improving the living standard of our people as well as the growth and development of the state.
“The content of this year’s budget is rich and development driven, purposely designed for the good governance of the state Maduagwu said the 2017 budget recorded above 80 percent implementation,” adding” we expect over 90 percent implementation this year”. She said the Assembly would take seriously the issue of oversight responsibility to ensure effective implementation of the budget.
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