Gov. Hope Uzodinma of Imo State on Tuesday presented a budget of N447.4 billion for 2023 to the Imo State House of Assembly for approval.
The budget, dubbed “Budget of Wealth Expansion,” was composed of N373.5 billion in capital expenditures and N150.4 billion in recurrent expenses, or 22 and 78 percent, respectively, of the total budget.
Uzodinma said the objective of the budget was to satisfy the desires of the people by delivering sustainable dividends of democracy to the Imo people and expanding wealth for them.
The budget, he continued, would prioritise the welfare of the populace by extensively reconstructing deteriorated infrastructures in urban and rural areas.
He assured the State Assembly of his “undying support and commitment to the well-being of all Imo people” adding that there would be no room for misappropriation of funds in his government.
The governor commended the House for its solidarity with his administration and pledged to “vigorously pursue the implementation of policies, programmes and projects captured in the budget,” when approved.
The Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Emeka Nduka, said that the budget presentation provided an opportunity for a “retrospective look at past years with a view to improving on the future.”
He assured that the budget would be passed in good time to enable the governor “continue his good works in 2023”.
Mr Nduka expressed confidence that the budget would address the aspirations of the people by providing infrastructure across the state.
He further thanked the governor for the reconstruction of a “world-class, digitalised” House of Assembly complex, adding that it was obvious that the 2022 appropriation bill was judiciously dispensed.
He adjourned the plenary to December 21 for consideration and second reading of the proposed budget.