The N73,852,442,431 budget presented to the State House of Assembly late last year for appropriation was returned to the executive without any input with the executives estimates of N38 billion for capital expenditure and N35 billion for recurrent expenditure being approved by the legislature.
Suntai commended the legislature for standing by his budget proposal. “The N15 billion you have appropriated for transport is what pleases my heart,” Suntai said, adding that the money will be used to complete the Jalingo Airport and start a new one at Gembu.
He said road construction across the state will also be given attention with roads from Mararaba Gassol to Gassol town, Kaltungo to Bachama, Zing Junction to Pantisawa, Wukari to Kente, Takum to Lissam and Takum to Kpambo being on the priority list this year, while Donga to Mararaba and Pamanga to Gashaka will commence next year.
“This is where my heart lies. This is where the hearts of executive members and legislators lie,” Suntai said.
“All other ministries, departments and agencies will get their share of attention but transport is where we will exalt our energy. We will ensure budget discipline by maintaining at least 60 to 70 percent compliance. We will continue to monitor the budget implementation but the truth is that nobody is perfect so it will not be possible to monitor 100 percent and get 100 percent implementation,” he added.
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