Ugwuanyi signs revised 2020 budget of N146b into law

The Enugu State Government, yesterday, signed its revised 2020 appropriation bill of N146b into law. The previous budget of N169.5b was reduced by N23b representing 13.67 per cent slash.

It explained that the decision became necessary following the economic impact of the coronavirus pandemic, which had affected government earnings, arising from the collapse of global demand for crude oil.

During the signing ceremony in Enugu, Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, who signed the budget in company of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Cecilia Ezeilo and members of the House of Assembly led by its Speaker, Edward Ubosi, stated that the budget estimate was over N146b, while savings and additional sum required amounted to N53b and N27b respectively.

She disclosed that the 2020 budget approval of recurrent and capital expenditures of N68b and N100b were reversed to N69b and N76b representing 48 and 52 per cent of the budget.

While seeking the cooperation and inputs of Enugu people, he assured that the revised budget would guarantee the state government’s capacity to address the development and challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ezeilo further pointed out that the public session with citizens underscored the state government’s commitment to participatory democracy and transparency.

“It is also in fulfillment of our obligations under the fiscal responsibility act 2007 and the conditions of the World Bank budget policy support partnership, as well as our Open Government Partnership (OGP) obligations,” he stated.

Ugwuanyi noted that the new appropriation bill was the business of all stakeholders and opinion leaders in the state and commended the lawmakers, State Executive Council (SEC) and other top government officials for their diligence and speedy passage of the budget.