By Isaiah Eka

Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom on Friday presented 2018 budget of N651.50 billion to the Akwa Ibom House of Assembly for consideration. The budget is higher than 2017 figure 0f N485.79 billion with N165.71 billion.

The Appropriation Bill comprised N92.69 billion recurrent expenditure and N437.67 billion for capital expenditure while consolidated revenue stood at N120.86 billion.

Emmanuel said that the total projected recurrent revenue for the year was N289 billion as against N188.50 billion estimated in 2017.

He said that the Bill christened “Budget of Consolidation on Industrialisation” , was expected to drive the state government’s industrialisation policy to logical conclusion.

The governor said that the preparation of the budget was guided by the International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS).

According to him, the policy framework of 2018 budget is also predicated on developmental objectives.

He assured that catalysts outlined in the state’s Medium Term Plan document would be strictly adhered to in pursuing transformation agenda.

Emmanuel said the budget would also aim to actualise the economic power base of the state through industrialisation and sustainable public-private initiatives that would open opportunities for growth and improved living standard.

He explained that the 2018 policy framework would be to ensure accountability and transparency in government by fighting and tackling corruption in all facets of state administration.

He further explained that the budget would also focus on promotion of trade, commerce and tourism between Akwa Ibom, the country and the world.

He announced that the budget was predicated on oil bench mark of 45 dollars per barrel and production rate of 2.3 million barrels per day.

Highlights of the 2018 showed that roads, works and transport got the lion share of N211.42 billion; education, N10.53 billion and N17.91 billion for agriculture.

In his remarks, Speaker of the Assembly, Mr Onofiok Luke, assured the governor that the lawmakers would quicken the consideration process to ensure speedy passage of the Appropriation Bill.