By Tony Nzekwe
The Rivers state Governor, Nyesom Ezebuwo Wike, has Presented the 2019 Appropriation Bill of 480 Billion Naira to the State House of Assembly for Consideration and approval.
Presenting the Budget,Governor Wike, said, ” The strategic thrust for the budget is to promote economic growth and diversification, create jobs and reduce employment, take as many Rivers people out of poverty and improve the standard of living of the Rivers State. ”
Governor Wike Christened the 2019 Rivers State Budget : “Budget of Sustainable Growth and Development.” The Governor proposed a N 323,288,970,085.00 as Capital expenditure .While,recurrent expenditure will gulp N 157,122,354,564.15
He asserted : “The capital budget allocation of N 323,288,970,085.00 for 2019 fiscal year represents 65per cent of the total budget. This sum is however, less than the figure for 2018 by N57,708,717,319.00 due to the reduction in the total size of the 2019 budget as against that of 2018.
Adding,”The 2019 appropriation Bill has set priorities for human capital development and infrastructural provision, a sustainable part of the capital budget is allocated to the Ministries of Agriculture, Education, Employment generation and employment, Health, Sports development, Women affairs, works and youths development. ”
The Governor proposed N 72,911,765,640.21Billion Naira for the Construction and improvements of the states road network and Transport infrastructure. While, “The sum of, which constitute about 24 per cent of the total capital budget will be utilize to continue with the funding of the Construction and Completion of roads. “
