Delta Assembly Greenlights N724.9 Billion Budget for 2024

In a significant legislative development, the Delta State House of Assembly recently approved the 2024 Appropriation Bill, amounting to a total of N724.9 billion. This decision comes approximately two weeks after the state governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, presented the budget to the assembly. The legislative milestone was achieved following the adoption of the report submitted by the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation during a plenary session held in Asaba.

The comprehensive budget breakdown reveals a Recurrent Expenditure of N316.6 billion and Capital Expenditure of N408.3 billion. This signifies an increase of N10.5 billion compared to the initial budget proposal of N714.4 billion presented by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori. The Chairman of the Committee, Mrs. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola, presented the report, highlighting that the 2024 budget, named “Budget of Hope and Optimism,” was meticulously crafted to align with the policy objectives of the Oborevwori-led administration while addressing public priorities and expectations.

Mrs. Okowa-Daramola emphasized the strategic preparation of the budget to ensure accountability, transparency, inclusiveness, and public participation. She further stressed that resource allocation to Recurrent and Capital Expenditures was conducted fairly, with specific attention given to sectors such as education, agriculture, environment, healthcare, sports, youth, and girl child development. Adequate budgetary provisions were also made to support the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), aimed at enhancing business competitiveness and fostering Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth in the state.

Following the presentation, Majority Leader Mr. Emeka Nwaobi moved a motion for the third reading and passage of the appropriation bill. The motion, seconded by Minority Leader Mr. Edafe Emakpo, received unanimous approval from the assembly members after a voice vote conducted by Speaker Mr. Dennis Guwor.

In his commendation, Speaker Guwor expressed gratitude to the lawmakers for the expeditious passage of the bill. He acknowledged their diligent efforts throughout the entire legislative process and highlighted the importance of authorizing government expenditures in accordance with the constitutional provisions. Guwor affirmed his confidence that the timely passage of the bill aligns with global best practices and positions Delta State on a positive trajectory for the year 2024.

Speaking to reporters after the bill’s passage, Finance and Appropriation Chairman Mrs. Marilyn Okowa-Daramola explained that the slight increase in the budget became necessary to address the specific needs of certain sectors. She emphasized the committee’s commitment to ensuring that the budget reflects the developmental goals of the state.

As a reminder, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori had presented the N714.4 billion appropriation bill for the 2024 fiscal year on November 29. The budget, named ‘Budget of Hope and Optimism,’ allocated 44% for recurrent expenditure and 56% for capital expenditure, totaling N316.6 billion and N397.9 billion, respectively. The governor attributed the slight decrease compared to the 2023 budget to a fiscal discipline approach, emphasizing that the state would fund the 2024 budget largely from internal sources and spend only what it can earn within the specified period.