By Saidu Idris
The administration of Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom state has disclosed its plans to execute 132 major projects across the state, this year, 2021.
This revelation was made by the Commissioner for Finance, Linus Nkan, in Uyo, the state capital, during the 2021 budget breakdown at Ibom Hotels.
He said that Governor Emmanuel is commited to the development and prosperity of the state,and hence these projects that would touch directly on the well-being of the people, who he is elected to serve.
According to the Commissioner, the projects include construction, reconstruction and rehabilitation of 62 roads across the three senatorial districts of the state.
Some of these roads, the commissioner disclosed, are ongoing. And he assured that the state government will do everything possible to raise the required funds to complete all the projects earmarked for this year.
The Finance Commissioner argued that budget is only estimate of what government intends to do subject to availability of funds, but noted that figures presented at the 2021 Budgy Breakdown remains authentic public documents for all.
In his speech, the Chairman House Committee on Finance and Appropriation Rt. Hon. Uduak Ududoh who also represented the Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Aniekan Bassey, assured the House of Assembly continued assistance and cooperation to Governor Udom Emmanuel to fulfill the core mandates of his administration for the masses.
Earlier in his welcome remark, the Head of Budget Office, Akwa Ibom State, Mr. Otu Asuquo averred that, “the 2021 approved Budget which was prepared in line with the provisions of IPSAS (International Public Sector Accounting Standards) Accrual bases is predicated on sound policy thrust and implementation strategies that will ensure the realization of the intended goals and objectives effectively.
Mr. Asuquo added that taking into consideration the harsh effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on the economy, the 2021 Budget was packaged to highlight on the vision, policies, programmes and projects of the present Administration in delivering to the people, the dividends of democracy through the 8-point Completion Agenda which he said will lead to economic stability.
In his reaction, the state Chairman Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Comrade Sunny James, called for the reduction in governance cost to channel such money to other critical sectors.
He urged the state government to ensure full release of 2.5 billion naira earmarked in 2021 budget for payment of pension and gratuity to retirees.