News

FULL TEXT: Governor Mbah presents 2024 Budget of Disruptive Economic Growth

Published

3 years ago

December 5, 2023

Advocate News Nigeria

Enugu Governor, Dr Peter Mbah

Spread the love

ADDRESS BY DR. PETER NDUBISI MBAH, GOVERNOR OF ENUGU STATE, DURING THE PRESENTATION OF THE STATE’S 2024 DRAFT ESTIMATES OF REVENUES AND EXPENDITURES TO THE ENUGU STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, HELD AT THE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY COMPLEX, ENUGU ON TUESDAY 5TH DECEMBER, 2024

December 5, 2023

Protocols.

The Deputy Governor,

The Right Honourable Speaker,

The Secretary to the State Government

Principals Officers of the State House of Assembly

Honourable Members of the State House of Assembly

The Chairman, PDP Enugu State Chapter

Members of Enugu State Executive Council

Chairmen of Boards and Parastalals

Permanent Secretaries, Clerk of the House

Gentlemen of the Press

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. It is with great honour and a deep sense of responsibility that I stand before you today to present our State’s 2024-2026 Multi-Year Budget before this hallowed chamber.This event is of even more import given that it is this administration’s first full year budget, which will go a long way in setting the pace for the achievement of our growth objectives.

2. It is not so long ago that we presented the revised budget for 2023 before you honourable members of the House of Assembly, and I must again recognise your expedited consideration of that bill and put on record our appreciation for your commitment. In line with human nature, we have become accustomed to this level of commitment and therefore request that you deploy a similar degree of dispatch in your consideration of this current bill.

3. As you are aware, we had taken a bold view of the growth our State is capableachieving if we are willing to believe in ourselves and utilise our God given human and material resources to their fullest. Our vision remains ‘To make Enugu one of the top 3 states in Nigeria in terms of Gross Domestic Product and achieve a zero percent rate in the poverty headcount index’. We also intend to grow our GDP from the current $4.4b to $30b before 2031.

4. To achieve these ambitious goals, we have adopted a number of philosophies, which have also found expression in this budget I am presenting today. The first philosophy is that private sector involvement is critical to the generation of the growth that we seek, and consequently we must invest in the factors required to attract private sector investment such as basic infrastructure and amenities (like roads and water supply), transport services as well as modernisation and digitalisation of our public services and their associated processes. Secondly, we have taken the view that one of the surest ways of ensuring sustainable eradication of poverty is through the aggressive enhancement of our education and public health systems. After all we know that education corelates all over the globe with economic advancement and prosperity, while health on the other hand, is critical for the optimisation of the human resources of any nation or sub-national entity. Finally, but most critically, we have taken the view that reliance on allocations from FAAC has not served us well to date and is unlikely to take us to the ‘promised land’. Consequently, you will see in this budget a philosophy to maximise our internal revenue generation efforts, by improving the efficiency of collections, enhancing the efficacy of government services to the populace and evolving creative new revenue generation sources particularly by optimising our natural resources e.g. improved oversight and regulation of mining activities and landed assets.

5. Before going into the current budget proposal, permit me to cast a glance backwards at our performance in the past period. By end of year 2022, this Honourable House approved a budget size of One hundred and sixty-six billion, six hundred and two million, four hundred and sixteen thousand, seven hundred and seventy naira (N166,602,416,770). During the 3rd quarter of 2023 there was need for a supplementary budget to accommodate new projects and programmes arising from priorities of the new administration in Enugu State and also to reflect the price variations due to inflation. The budget wastherefore revised to a tune of two hundred and twenty four billion, six hundred and ninety seven million, eight hundred and ninety nine thousand, and sixty three naira (N224,697,899,063).

6. Based on this revised budget we have been able to make some appreciable progress in fulfilling our promises to Ndi Enugu over the last few months. In our view, some of the more notable achievements have included the following:

a. We have recently launched the ultra modern water scheme at Ninth mile which has a daily production capacity of 70 million cubic meters(70,000,000m3) of clean water, combined with the production of 50 million cubic litres from Oji river, this gives a total daily volume of 120 million cubic meters a day as against less than 2,000,000m3 we meet on resumption of office. This achievementdisrupts over two decades water scarcity in Enugu urban, and alsofulfils our promise to Ndi Enugu to provide Enugu urban residents with water within 180 days.

b. We have awarded contracts for the construction and rehabilitation work on the over 81 roads including several urban roads as well as some priority non-urban roads such as thedualization of Enugu Airport flyover, to Eke Obinagu and Ebonyi border approximately 22km and alsoconstruction of Owo–Ubahu-Ama Nkanu-Neke-ikem road of approximately 45km. As you may be aware work on these roads have since commenced.

c. We have also expanded the National Cash Transfer Register of the Federal Government from 43,000 to 260,000beneficiaries. The expansion was to accommodate more poor and vulnerable residents in the State in line with our Vision to eradicate poverty.

d. We have commenced accumulation of 300,000 hectares of land for our land bank, which will be made available to corporate farmers for massive cultivation of agro produce. In line with this, one partner firm is alreadyplanting cassava under the pilot scheme of Cassava to Ethanol Programme in Aninri, Nkanu East, and Uzo Uwani LGAs. Related to this we are advancing conversations with key development agencies for the development of Special AgroProcessing Zones (SAPZs) in the 3 senatorial areas of the State.

e. We also held the Enugu State Investment Roundtable which attracted the best of the private sector as well asdevelopment partners such as AfDB, AFREXIM, FCDO, the WB, etc thus signalling our government’s zeal to transform Enugu State into private sector driven economy.

f. In line with our commitment to reinvent our education system in Enugu State we are constructing 260 Smart Model Basic Schools across the 260 Wards in the State which will rank amongst the best in the country. The pilot Smart Model Basic School in Owo, Nkanu East Local Government Area is now ready for commissioning and similar Schools will be replicated in all the 260 Wards across the 17 LG Councils in the State.

g. We are also in the process of constructing 260 Type-2 Primary Health Centres across the 260 wards in the State to carter for the health needs of rural communities which are paramount in our health care agenda

h. Last but not least, in recognition that no economic growth is possible without security, we have ensured the discontinuation of the ignoble Monday sit-at-home campaign and boosted the security framework within the State with the introduction of the Distress Response Squad, which has recorded several successes, effectively bringing the crime rate in Enugu State to a bare minimum. We are going further by commencing the installation a CCTV surveillance network around the State.Work is at an advanced stage on this initiative.

7. The 2024-2026 Multi-Year Budget is named Budget of Disruptive Economic Growth. This is on account of the fact thatit is structured to drive growth in a markedly different pattern than we have attempted to do hitherto. This departure from the usual is most apparent in two main areas. Firstly, our approach to basic education where we are bringing into effect our cut off program through the development of the 260 model schools I had alluded to earlier. These Schools are unique not only in the fact that they will house the entire basic school classes from Creche to JS3, but also in terms of the significant changes we are making to the curriculum of the Children, where will be infusing new subject areas like Technology, robotics, Artificial Intelligence etc. In addition, the approach to teaching in these schools will be experiential, with extensive use of practicals, examples, dramatization, gamification etc. This naturally requires extensive re-training of our teachers to enable them grasp these new learning approaches as well as the various technology based teaching and learning tools which we shall deploy e.g. tablets, interactive white boards, Learning management systems etc. Beyond the ‘hard’ elements of learning, we will also infuse many ‘softer’ elements such as ethics, morals, critical thinking and hygiene to prepare our children to become the leaders we need tomorrow. Another major area of positive disruption that finds expression in this budget is our drive to change our approach to public service by infusing the use of technology. In this regard, we are in the process of developing a new automated approach to governance, that will involve the automation of all MDAs in the Government both in terms of how they run their internal operations and in terms of how they serve the populace. Upon conclusion of this transition to e-governance, it will be possible to initiate most government services without once visiting any government office or physically interacting with any public officer. This will result in increased operational efficiency in government and a higher level of service delivery with fewer revenue leakages. Implementing this will naturally require extensive training and re-training of our public servants to acquaint them with the both the new technological tools required as well as the improved work processes to be adopted in executing their work functions under this new dispensation.

8. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, permit me to present the summary of recurrent and capital allocations and its proposed allocations to each sector that makes up this new Budget of Disruptive Economic Growth.

9. We are proposing a total budget of size of ₦ 521,561,386,000.00 for the 2024 fiscal year as against the approved revised provision of ₦ 224,697,899,063.00 for 2023. This represents a 132% increase from the 2023 revised budget. The budget is broken down as follows:

	N
Recurrent Expenditure	107,227,266,000.00
Capital Expenditure	414,334,120,000.00
Total	521,561,386,000.00

10. In the area of our revenues, we estimated that total recurrent revenues during 2024 will amount to ₦383,789,000,000.00 as against the approved revised provision for 2023 of ₦143,571,592,917. The recurrent revenues for 2024 are broken down as follows:

	N
Opening Balance	11,000,000,000
Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)	252,789,000,000
Statutory Revenue	60,000,000,000
Excess Crude and others	16,000,000,000
Value Added Tax (VAT)	44,000,000,000
Total Recurrent Revenue	383,789,000,000

11. For 2024 Fiscal Year, Recurrent Expenditure which is proposed at ₦107,227,266,000.00 is made up of:

	N
Personnel Costs	47,583,677,000
Overhead costs	41,804,698,000
Consolidated Rev. Fund Charges	17,838,891,000
Total Recurrent Expenditure	107,227,266,000

12. With the total recurrent Expenditure at ₦ 107,227,266,000.00, this translates to a Net Recurrent Revenue of ₦ 276,561,734,000.00, which is thus transferred to the Capital Development Fund.

13. The total Capital Expenditure for the year 2024 is projected at ₦ 414,334,120,000.00 as against ₦135,715,099,693.00 for 2023 Revised Budget. The current capital expenditure estimate will be funded from, the sum of ₦ 276,561,734,000.00 to betransferred from the Consolidated Revenue Fund, and the capital receipts of ₦137,772,386,000.00 to be realized as follows:

	N
External and Internal Aids and Grant	27,922,386,000
Public Private Partnership	6,100,000,000
Domestic loans/ Borrowings receipts	71,000,000,000
International loans/ Borrowings receipts	32, 750,000,000
Total	137,772,386,000

14. On a sectorial basis, the Capital expenditure is broken down as follows:

	N
Administration Sector	20, 877,662,350
Economic sector	207,837,753,513
Law & Justice Sector	1,225,643,490
Regional Sector	1,443,550,000
Social sector	182,949,510,648

15. As I mentioned earlier, Education is a key plank in our strategy to eradicate poverty in our State. Consequently, ₦134,587,982,647.78 representing 73.6% of the social sector has been earmarked to help reinvent education in our state by developing the new Smart schools which I mentioned earlier as well as repositioning our senior secondary and tertiary institutions by training and retraining teachers and updating our curricula across all levels of education to infuse technology and technology appreciation and skills. This capital expenditure on education combined with the planned recurrent expenditure in the sector will bring our total spend on education to 33% of the total budget.

16. Healthcare remains paramount, especially in these challenging times. This budget allocates the sum of ₦ 21,777,421,000 to enhance healthcare facilities, expand access to quality healthcare services, and bolster our response to health emergencies. Our goal is to ensure every citizen has access to reliable and efficient healthcare. We pledge to upgrade healthcare facilities, ensure the availability of essential medicines, and implement initiatives to enhance public health awareness. In particular, we have commenced the construction of 260 Type-2 Primary Health Centres across the 260 wards in the State to carter for the health needs of rural communities.

17. We also understand the significance of infrastructural development in propelling economic growth. Hence, ₦82,535,147,361.03 is planned for road construction, maintenance, and rehabilitation of public building across the state. This initiative will facilitate smoother connectivity, bolster trade, and enhance overall accessibility and attract investments that create jobs.

18. ₦28, 970, 250, 000 is planned for the enhancement of the water sector to ensure safe and quality water supply to Ndi Enugu. This investment will ensure the expansion of the current water scheme by boosting reticulation of water across the Enugu Metropolis.

19. Agriculture remains a crucial sector in our drive towards self-sufficiency and economic diversification. We are committed to developing at a Special AgroProcessing Zone in each of the senatorial zones. In deed we have reached an understanding with a development agency for the first one on which work will commence this year. These zones will enable us support farmers with modern techniques, infrastructure, and access to markets, ultimately boosting food production and creating employment opportunities. We are also in advanced stages of discussions with funders for the development of a Quality Assurance Centre in Enugu to facilitate the export of agro commodities from the Enugu Airport.In order to achieve this, a sum of ₦25,184,154,671.81 has been earmarked for this sector in the 2024 budget.

20. Additionally, this budget prioritizes job creation, empowerment programs for our youth, and initiatives to attract private sector investment. We are dedicated to fostering an environment that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation, thereby unlocking the full potential of our vibrant populace.

21. Furthermore, we are committed to ensuring good governance, accountability, and the prudent management of public funds. We will work tirelessly to eradicate corruption and promote a culture of transparency in all government activities Fiscal prudence and accountability will remain at the core of our financial management. We will ensure transparency in the utilization of resources, optimizing every naira to deliver maximum value for the citizens of Enugu State.

22. To support our fiscal initiatives and improve implementation effectiveness, this administration will also pursue the following initiatives:

a. Sustain an effective collaboration with Security Agencies and strengthen our logistic support to remain among the most peaceful States in Nigeria.

b. Increase Public Private Partnership (PPP) with relevant investors to invest in the key sectors of the State economy and undertake robust human capital development.

c. Expand the industrial base of the State through rapid industrialization and harnessing of untapped mineral resources in the State.

d. Provide an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive through extensive improvement in the Ease of Doing Business ranking of the State.

e. Increase the domestic revenue base (IGR) significantly by eliminating evasion and leakages in collection and expenditure

f. Develop the tourism potentials of the State and enhance creative industry.

g. Stimulate the Agricultural and Agro-allied industries to boost production of local farmers to ensure food sufficiency for local consumption, exports as well as the provision of raw materials for the industries.

h. Rapid empowerment of children, women and youth through capacity building, empowerment, skill acquisition and elimination of gender discrimination practices.

i. Re-orientation of public servants, through training & retraining, effective intra and inter MDAs collaboration by digitizing operations to enhance service delivery

j. Provide recreational and sporting facilities to increase life expectancy, boost sports development and ensure improved performance of the State representatives at Local, National and International sporting competitions.

k. Strengthen performance monitoring mechanism with central coordinating unit at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning Commission.

l. Improve fiscal transparency and accountability in all MDAs with emphasis on Due process and cost effectiveness in all programs and projects of government.

m. Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members, this our budget of Disruptive Economic Growth represents our collective aspirations and endeavors to build a more prosperous, inclusive, and resilient Enugu State. Consequently, I urge all stakeholders to join hands in this journey towards a better future for all residents. Together, we will achieve greatness and leave a legacy of progress for generations to come.

23. Thank you and God bless you and the entire people of Enugu State. I wish you a happy Christmas and a prosperous new year. Certainly, our Tomorrow is here!

PROMISES DELIVERED

News

Building collapse: Anambra Govt seals site, vows tougher enforcement

Published

3 hours ago

July 27, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

Scene of the incident

Spread the love

• One casualty recorded, three hospitalized

The Anambra State Government has sealed the site of the collapsed building at Oko in Orumba North Local Government Area of the state.

‎Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu announced immediate closure of the site pending comprehensive investigations and structural integrity assessments.

He said preliminary findings indicated structural failure as the likely cause of the collapse.

While reaffirming government commitment to stricter enforcement of physical planning regulations and the elimination of unsafe construction practices, Ojukwu vowed that the incident would mark a turning point in enforcement of building regulations across the state.

He assured that owners and developers of defective or non-compliant structures would face sanctions, while ongoing projects would undergo stricter inspections.

‎‎On his part, Commissioner for Works, Arc. Okey Ezeobi, said technical investigations were ongoing to determine exact cause of the collapse.

He added that government had engaged a team of professionals to carry out a comprehensive structural evaluation.

‎‎Recommendations will be implemented

He assured residents that government would implement recommendations from the investigation to strengthen the state’s building control system.

Implementation will also prevent future occurrences while ensuring prosecution of culprits in accordance with the law.

‎‎The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, said government immediately deployed medical personnel and ambulances to the scene to provide emergency care for the injured, while the Ministry of Health worked closely with other emergency response agencies throughout the rescue operation.

‎‎Obidike commended the swift and coordinated response of the Anambra State Government and emergency agencies, describing it as crucial to the rescue efforts and timely medical treatment of victims.

‎‎The Mayor of Orumba North Local Government Area, Rtd. Captain. Casmir Nwafor, praised the rapid intervention of the state government and emergency responders, noting that their coordinated efforts helped contain the situation and minimize further risks.

‎‎Nwafor urged developers, property owners, institutions, and residents to comply strictly with approved building regulations and safety standards, reaffirming the local government’s support for the enforcement of physical planning laws.

‎Running to safety

‎Eyewitnesses, Prince Ifeanyi Ezefunamba said the building, reportedly occupied by students of Federal Polytechnic Oko, collapsed at about 10:00 p.m. after occupants heard cracking sounds and evacuated.

One survivor, Miss Chioma Akabike narrowly escaped moments before the collapse, while rescue operations commenced immediately.

‎‎Also present during the inspection were officials of the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) headed by the Enugu State Head of Operations, Mrs. Priscilla Mbaekwe, the Nigeria Police Force, the Nigerian Red Cross Society, and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA).

Others include: the Anambra State Fire Service, and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), who participated in rescue, security, and preliminary technical assessments.

‎‎As of the time of filing this report, one fatality had been confirmed, while three injured victims were receiving treatment at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH) and St. Michael’s Hospital, Oko, as rescue operations continued.

PROMISES DELIVERED

News

Petroleum Minister lauds NCDMB for Community-focused Interventions

Published

8 hours ago

July 27, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

Spread the love

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), Rt. Hon. Obongemem Ekperikpe Ekpo, on Saturday commended the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB) for demonstrating that Local Content Policy could be a force for transforming lives and creating socio-economic value through community-focused interventions.

Speaking at the commissioning of a state-of-the-art Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Centre at IkaComprehensive High School, Ikot Akpan Anwa, Akwa Ibom State, the Minister said such a strategic investment in the area, with vast possibilities for research and online learning through diverse educational platforms, would bolster human capital development, digital literacy and sustainable community development.

The ICT Centre, built and equipped by the NCDMB, comprises a modern computer laboratory with 50 networked desktop workstations, an interactive smart board, projector, server room and Starlink high-speed Internet connectivity to support digital learning, research and computer-based examinations. Designed to accommodate up to 70 users, the facility also features air-conditioned learning spaces, a staff room, store and separate convenience facilities. Power reliability is supported by a 15kVA generator and a 15kVA solar power system with battery backup, complemented by a dedicated network infrastructure for seamless connectivity.

“This ICT Centre,” according to the Minister, “is far more than a building equipped with computers; it is an investment in the future of our children and a gateway to knowledge, innovation, creativity and opportunity.” Continuing, he noted that, “Nations that invest in the digital education of their young people today are the ones that will lead the world tomorrow.”

He said the initiative of the Board aligns with the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu by advancing access to quality education, youth empowerment, digital transformation and inclusive economic growth, as young Nigerians in rural communities acquire relevant digital skills and competencies to participate effectively in a technology-driven economy.

Representing the Executive Secretary of the NCDMB, Engr. Felix Omatsola Ogbe, the Director, Corporate Services, Dr. Abdulmalik Halilu, stated that digital literacy and ICT capacity development remain a key component of the Board’s human capital development mandate aimed at building a skilled workforce for the Nigerian oil and gas industry and the broader economy. He noted that the facility would provide students with access to digital learning, research tools, artificial intelligence and global knowledge resources.

“This ICT Centre is more than a building; it is an investment in the future of our young people,” he stated, adding, “It represents our commitment to extending Nigerian Content objectives beyond industry into classrooms, where innovation, technology and skills development can empower the next generation.”

Halilu stressed that the project’s long-term success depends on collaboration among the Board, the school and the host community. He urged the community to take ownership of the facility and ensure its proper maintenance and sustainability for future generations.

“Our expectation is not simply to hand over a facility but to see measurable outcomes in the lives of the students who will use it. We therefore call on the school and the host community to safeguard this centre and ensure it continues to deliver value for many years to come.” He added.

Speaking on behalf of the project delivery team, the Managing Director of Standard Institute of Technology Limited, Engr. Alexander Nsidibe, expressed appreciation to NCDMB for the confidence placed in the company to deliver the project. He described the ICT Centre as a demonstration of the Board’s commitment to quality infrastructure development and human capital advancement. He pledged the company’s continued support for the facility’s maintenance for one year after handover, noting that the Centre would enhance students’ digital competencies and prepare them for productive life in industry.

In her welcome address, the Principal General of IkaComprehensive High School, Mrs. Nkom John Umoette, described the ICT Centre as a transformative intervention that would bridge existing digital access gaps. She noted that the school lacked an ICT facility, which constrained students’ exposure to digital learning and computer-based education.

She expressed appreciation to Rt. Hon. Ekpo and the NCDMB for making the project a reality, stating that the facility would equip students with essential digital skills, improve their preparedness for computer-based examinations, and create greater opportunities for academic excellence and future careers.

A representative of the community commended the Minister and the NCDMB for the delivery of the ICT Centre, noting that the facility would significantly improve access to digital learning and computer-based examinations. He recalled that students previously travelled to Uyo and neighbouring communities to register for and take examinations such as JAMB, incurring additional costs and facing logistical challenges.

PROMISES DELIVERED

News

Many feared trapped as three-storey hostel collapses in Anambra

Published

16 hours ago

July 27, 2026

Advocate News Nigeria

Part of the collapsed building

Spread the love

Many students are reportedly trapped even as rescue operation is ongoing in Oko community in Orumba North Local Government Area of Anambra State where a private student hostel reportedly collapsed Sunday night.

Several occupants are feared trapped beneath the rubble of the three-storey building identified as Elite Five Star Lodge collapsed at Amokpala, Oko.

Eyewitnesses said a loud bang was heard moments before the multi-storey building gave way, sending students and residents rushing to the scene in confusion and fear.

“We heard a loud bang, and within seconds people were screaming for help. Everyone rushed out to see what had happened,” an eyewitness said.

Videos and photos circulating on social media showed a large crowd gathered around the collapsed structure as residents, students and emergency responders launched frantic rescue efforts. Local volunteers were also seen assisting in clearing debris in a bid to locate survivors.

Rescue operations ongoing – Police

The Anambra State Police command confirmed the incident in a statement Monday morning saying a coordinated rescue operation was underway.

‎The building, located beside Tonimas Filling Station, caved in on July 26, prompting an immediate emergency response from the Anambra State Police Command and other security agencies.
‎
‎The statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the Police-led joint security team swiftly mobilised to the scene upon receiving a distress call adding that the area was secured to prevent further danger while rescue efforts commenced in collaboration with relevant emergency responders.
‎
‎According to the statement, personnel of the Anambra State Fire Service and the Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) joined the operation to assist in searching for survivors and evacuating victims from the debris.
‎
‎The police command disclosed that some injured occupants have already been rescued and taken to a hospital in Oko, where they are receiving medical treatment.

However, rescue operations are still in progress, and authorities said the number of casualties or persons trapped could not yet be confirmed.
‎
‎The command appealed to residents and members of the public to remain calm, refrain from spreading unverified information, and stay away from the disaster site to enable emergency personnel carry out their duties without obstruction.

Ikenga assured that further updates would be provided as more verified information becomes available.