Enugu State’s 2024 Budget Sparks Economic Revolution, as Governor Peter Mbah In a bold and visionary move has unveiled Enugu State’s 2024 budget, amounting to a groundbreaking N521.5 billion. This substantial financial plan, dubbed the “Budget of Disruptive Economic Growth,” marks a significant leap from the previous year’s revised budget of N224.7 billion, reflecting a 132% increase.
Governor Mbah’s presentation to the Enugu State House of Assembly underscores his administration’s commitment to fostering unprecedented economic transformation and development. With meticulous attention to detail, the budget prioritizes key sectors and initiatives aimed at driving sustainable progress across the state. From infrastructure development to social welfare programs, every aspect of the budget is meticulously crafted to catalyze growth and prosperity in Enugu State.
A Vision for Unprecedented Growth
The 2024 budget presentation by Governor Mbah was not merely an administrative procedure but a declaration of a new era of economic revitalization. “We are proposing a total budget of N521, 561,386, 000.00 for the 2024 fiscal year, structured to drive growth in a markedly different pattern than we have attempted before,” Mbah stated emphatically during the assembly session.
This ambitious budget is meticulously designed to stimulate economic activities across Enugu State, focusing primarily on capital projects. The governor allocated a whopping N414.3 billion, or 79% of the total budget, to capital expenditure. This allocation is unprecedented in the state’s history and signifies a strategic shift towards long-term infrastructural and economic development.
Transforming Education and Healthcare
Education and healthcare are the cornerstone sectors in this transformative budget. Governor Mbah has earmarked N134.6 billion for education, which represents 33% of the total budget. This substantial investment aims to overhaul the educational landscape by establishing 260 smart schools, modernizing curricula, and enhancing teacher training to integrate technological advancements.
“Education is a key plank in our strategy to eradicate poverty in our state,” Mbah emphasized. “We are committed to reinventing education in Enugu by providing state-of-the-art facilities and enhancing the quality of teaching and learning.”
The healthcare sector is also set for a significant upgrade, with funds allocated for the construction of 260 Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centers across all wards. This initiative aims to bridge the gaps in healthcare access and quality, ensuring that every resident receives adequate medical attention.
Infrastructure Development: Paving the Way Forward
Infrastructural development is another major focus of the 2024 budget. Governor Mbah outlined plans to enhance connectivity and trade within the state by paving feeder and access roads. With an allocation of N82.5 billion to infrastructure, these projects are expected to attract investments, create jobs, and boost overall economic activities.
Agriculture, a vital sector for Enugu’s economy, is set to receive N25.1 billion. This funding will support initiatives aimed at achieving food self-sufficiency and promoting agricultural exports. “Our Special Agro Processing Zones will come to life, and we will scale up our agricultural production to benefit Ndi Enugu,” Mbah assured.
Ensuring Reliable Water Supply
Enugu State has long struggled with water supply issues, particularly in urban areas like Enugu city. The 2024 budget addresses this critical need by allocating N28.9 billion to improve water supply and reticulation across the Enugu metropolis. This investment aims to provide safe and quality water to all residents, significantly improving public health and living conditions.
Other essential services, such as job creation and security, are also prioritized in the budget. Dedicated funds will foster a conducive environment for economic activities and safeguard residents’ well-being. “This budget is not just about numbers; it’s about making tangible impacts on the lives of our people,” Mbah highlighted.
Collaboration for a Prosperous Future
Governor Mbah called on all stakeholders to collaborate and support the successful implementation of the budget. “We are all in this journey towards a better future for all residents,” he urged, seeking the Enugu State House of Assembly members’ and other stakeholders’ backing.
In response, the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, lauded the governor’s visionary leadership and pledged the Assembly’s commitment to thorough and expedited work on the budget estimates. “We are committed to ensuring that this budget translates into real benefits for our people,” Ugwu affirmed.
Conclusion
As Enugu State embarks on this ambitious path, the 2024 budget stands as a testament to Governor Mbah’s dedication to fostering disruptive economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for all residents. The successful implementation of this budget promises to set Enugu on a trajectory of sustained development and prosperity.
Sources:
– Vanguard News (https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/12/gov-mbah-presents-landmark-n521-5bn-enugu-2024-budget-estimates/)
– Nairametrics (https://nairametrics.com/2023/12/27/enugu-to-generate-n300-billion-of-its-n521-5-billion-2024-budget-through-igr-gov-mbah/)
