Cross River State House of Assembly on Thursday passed the state’s 2024 Appropriation Bill of N296.96 billion.
Governor Bassey Otu, on October 26, presented the budget estimate of N250.6 billion, titled “The People’s First Budget,” to the assembly.
However, the assembly approved a budget exceeding the governor’s presentation by over N46.4 billion.
The approval of the bill ensued after the Committee on Finance and Appropriation, led by its Chairman, Hon. Cyril Omini from Yakurr 1 State Constituency, presented their report.
In delivering the report, Omini praised the governor for complying with the State Public Finance Management Law, which mandates the governor to present the annual estimates of revenue and expenditure for the upcoming financial year to the assembly no later than the last working day in October each year.
Meanwhile, Mr. Elvert Ayambem, the Speaker of the House, conveyed gratitude to the committee members.
He also commended fellow lawmakers for their dedication and commitment to the swift approval of the budget.