Gov. Ikpeazu Signs N160.5bn 2023 Appropriation Bill Into Law

Abia state Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu on Saturday signed into Law, the 2023 Appropriation Bill of One Hundred and Sixty Billion, Five Hundred and Seventeen Million, Five Hundred and Four Thousand, Three Hundred Naira Only (=N=160, 517, 504, 300.00).

The budget is 3 Billion Naira higher than the initial amount of One Hundred and Fifty Seven Billion, Five Hundred and Seventeen Million, Five Hundred and Four Thousand, Three Hundred Naira Only presented to the House by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu for consideration, Onyebuchi Ememanka, the chief press secretary to the governor announced in a statement.

Signing the Appropriation Bill into law, Governor Ikpeazu expressed his appreciation to the Honorable Speaker and Honorable Members of the State Assembly for expediting action on the Bill, the statement read further.

The governor acknowledged that members of House even had to work during the Christmas holidays to ensure that the budget cycle of January – December is sustained in line with global best practices.

The Governor assured that the budget will be faithfully implemented with a clear view to the sustainance of the gains made by his administration and with the understanding that a new administration will be in charge from May 29th, 2023.

The release added, “The Governor charged revenue generating agencies of the State Government to double their efforts to increase the revenues acruable to the government and ensure that revenue leaks are effectively plugged.

“The Honorable Commissioner for Finance, Dr Aham Ukoh and the Permanent Secretary/Clerk of the State Assembly, Sir JohnPedro Irokansi, Phd witnessed the signing of the budget at the Governor’s Lodge Aba.

“Just before the budget signing ceremony, the Commissioner of Finance, Dr Aham Ukoh formally presented to the Governor, the World Bank Award for Excellence to the State for “VERY GOOD” performance in FINANCIAL TRANSPARENCY AND ACCOUNTABILITY under the STATES FISCAL ACCOUNTABILITY, TRANSPARENCY AND SUSTAINABILITY (SFTAS) PROJECT.

“Governor Ikpeazu thanked the World Bank for the recognition and assured that his administration shall be relentless in the pursuit of the virtues of fiscal responsibility, accountability and transparency.

“The Governor also thanked the Ministry of Finance and the entire state workforce for their support.”