Governor Peter Mbah signs N521bn Enugu State 2024 budget, reveals anticipated gains

Governor Peter Mbah has officially signed the Enugu State 2024 Budget, totaling N521.5 billion, into law, emphasizing its potential to drive disruptive economic growth, radical infrastructural development, and efficient service delivery. The budget allocates N414.3 billion (79%) for Capital Expenditure and N107.2 billion (21%) for recurrent expenditure, relying significantly on Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).

During the budget signing ceremony witnessed by the Enugu State House of Assembly members, led by Speaker Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, and other government officials, Governor Mbah urged robust revenue mobilization and service delivery. He expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support that facilitated the swift passage of the budget.

Governor Mbah highlighted the transformative impact of the 2024 budget, focusing on large economic activities, monumental capital expenditure, and significant improvements in social services. The budget, themed “Budget of Disruptive Economic Growth,” marks a historic increase in capital spending, aiming to lift people out of poverty and stimulate economic activities.

Key gains anticipated from the budget include the establishment of 260 smart schools, 260 Type-2 primary healthcare centers, radical infrastructural development, the construction of New Enugu City, paving of roads and feeder roads, and the introduction of the energy and minerals sector to drive revenue.

Governor Mbah emphasized responsible budget funding, with less than 12% sourced from borrowing, while expecting over N300 billion from domestic revenue sources. He underscored the administration’s commitment to diligent revenue performance, utilizing less than 12% of the budget from borrowing.

Additionally, Governor Mbah shared plans for e-governance and automation of government services, enhancing efficiency and accessibility for citizens. Despite the expected inconveniences related to transformation efforts, he appealed for understanding, promising efforts to mitigate any pains caused by policies such as road expansion.

The Enugu 2024 budget estimates were presented on December 5, 2023, and swiftly passed on December 21, with assurances from Speaker Hon. Ugwu regarding robust oversight to ensure the diligent implementation of the budget.