—Gov kefas signs 2024 appropriation bill into law

By Femi Bolaji,

Jalingo – The Taraba State House of Assembly has augmented the 2024 budget proposed by Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas, by two billion Naira.

The 2024 Appropriation Bill, initially set at N311,388,525,662.96, has now been revised to N313,388,525,661.56 following the approval by the state legislators.

Governor Kefas who immediately assented to the adjusted budget, emphasized that the new figures reflect the collective aspirations of the citizens.

He also commended the lawmakers for their efficiency and timely passage of the budget.

Speaking earlier during the plenary, Chairman of the State House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Abdul-Azeez Titong, explained that the additional N2 billion would fund projects aligned with the state government’s five focal development agenda.

Titong expressed concern over the absence of financial records from state-owned corporations in the budget, recommending their inclusion in future financial plans.

Additionally, he urged the government to address revenue leakages by eliminating practices such as multiple receipts and the use of multiple bank accounts by revenue agencies.

The Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Bonzina, who spoke after third reading, said the timely consideration of the appropriation bill reflects the confidence of the mandate reposed on them by their constituents.