Benue state governor, Hyacinth Alia, has promised to intensify the infrastructure battle in the Northcentral state next year.
The governor, who signed the 2024 budget passed by the House of Assembly in Makurdi, the state capital, described it as a budget of infrastructure, job creation and poverty alleviation.
He said: “Infrastructural development is the backbone of any thriving society. It lays the foundation for progress and economic growth. With this budget, we are investing significantly in the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, and other vital infrastructure.
“We recognize that well-connected communities are empowered communities. To this extent, we are determined to enhance accessibility, connectivity, and overall livability for our citizens.”
Alia added: “The Budget of Infrastructure, Job Creation and Poverty Alleviation, which draws life from our Policy Document tagged “A Strategic Development Plan for a Greater Benue” after revision from the Benue State House of Assembly, has an aggregated financing to the sum of N225,727,395,206.97K) only.
“The disaggregated sum of the total 2024 budget comprised of a total recurrent expenditure of N110,511,233,965.99K) only which represents 48.9% of the total budget.”
The governor explained that the capital head stood at N115,240,361,240.99, representing represent 51.1per cent of the total budget.
However, he said the deficit financing stood at N34,691,000,000.00, which represents 15.3% of the budget.
Alia said the estimate represented a clear and unwavering commitment to the well-being of tje people and the growth of our great stat, adding that “it is a roadmap that charts the course for a future where our communities thrive, our economy flourishes, and our citizens enjoy an improved quality of life.”
He stresed: “This budget is a beacon of hope for job seekers and aspiring entrepreneurs. We understand the importance of job creation in fostering a dynamic and resilient economy.
“By allocating resources to various sectors, we aim to stimulate economic activities that will, in turn, generate employment opportunities. Whether through public works projects, support for small and medium-sized enterprises, Agriculture or investments in emerging industries, in which we are committed to creating a conducive environment for job growth. Reiterating his determination to fight poverty in the state, the governor said: “Poverty alleviation remains at the forefront of our agenda.
“We acknowledge the challenges faced by our fellow citizens, and we are resolute in our determination to address them. This budget reflects a comprehensive approach to poverty reduction by focusing on education, healthcare, and social welfare programs. By investing in the well-being of our people, we aim to break the cycle of poverty and create a society where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”
