ADDRESS BY HIS
EXCELLENCY, SENATOR (PROF.) OSERHEIMEN
AIGBERAODION OSUNBOR, THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF
The Rt. Hon. Speaker,
Honourable Members,
Invited Guests,
Gentlemen of the Press,
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen,
It
is with great pleasure and immense sense of responsibility that I present the
2008 Budget Proposal of Edo State Government to this Honourable House. The year 2008 Budget, termed “Budget of
Reconstruction” is unique in two ways.
Firstly, it is the first Budget the current administration in the State
has articulated as a blue print to translate our electioneering promises and
the manifestoes of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (P.D.P.) into concrete
terms. Secondly, the budget will serve
to rekindle the hope of our people in governance as well as meet their
yearnings and aspirations.
2. Let
me seize the opportunity of this budget presentation to thank the good people
of
3. This
administration has remained focused on the delivery of democracy dividends
through the implementation of people friendly-policies and programmes such as
the implementation of the new minimum wage and prompt payment of salaries and
pensions. The State Government has also
recorded some significant achievements in the areas of road rehabilitation, desilting
of blocked drains, provision of official/utility vehicles, computers and
photocopying machines to Ministries/Agencies to facilitate the conduct of
Government business. We have every
reason to be proud of our achievements so far which are geared towards ensuring
that the instruments for effective Governance are put in place and sending a
strong signal to the people of
4. Recounting
our experiences in the last few months and the difficulties encountered when we
started, there is no doubt that there have been numerous challenges and
constraints during this period which have tended to hamper our resolve to
realize the laudable policies and programmes of this administration. Such constraints include limited resources,
infrastructural decay, and major ecological problems.
5. Mr.
Speaker, Sir, Honourable Members, I do not intend to bore you with a catalogue
of problems which have afflicted our State.
You know then yourselves. It is
only necessary to draw your attention to the above scenario in order to
establish a realistic context within which to assess the performance of this
administration. With the intervention
measures taken so far, it is hoped that the 2008 Budget will provide a new
platform to speedily and aggressively address the unacceptable social and
infrastructural decay in our dear State to the benefit of the Electorate who
are yearning to feel a visible positive impact of Government in their daily
lives.
6. The
2008 Budget seeks to give meaning and expression to the high sense of vision of
our people for a prosperous State that will vindicate the initiatives and
struggles that brought it into existence.
This Budget will among other things, harness the productive energies, high
sense of industry and resourcefulness of our people. In order to bring about improved quality of
life of our people, the main focus of the 2008 Budget is therefore to be
understood as a political expression of the immediate resolve of this
administration to pursue with vigour specific objectives that take bearings
from the obvious problems of infrastructural decay or their outright
non-existence in parts of the State.
REVIEW OF
THE YEAR 2007 BUDGET
7. The
Rt. Hon. Speaker, Honourable Members, before the presentation of 2008 Budget,
it is necessary to briefly review the performance of the 2007 Edo State Budget
which we inherited five months into the year. As you will recall, the size of
the 2007 Budget was N45.03 billion comprising Recurrent Revenue of N38.87
billion and Capital Receipt of N8.11 billion. Being a surplus budget, the corresponding
expenditure figures were N25.43 billion for Recurrent Expenditure and N19.61
billion for Capital Expenditure, leaving a balance revenue of N1.95
billion. Against these estimates,
the sums of N24.62 billion and N3.06
billion were realized as total Recurrent Revenue and Capital Receipts as at 30th
September, 2007, representing a performance level of 84.45 per cent and 50.21
per cent when matched against pro-rata estimates of N21.15 billion and N6.09
billion respectively. With respect to
expenditure, a total sum of N15.92 billion was disbursed as Recurrent
Expenditure and N6.61 billion as Capital Expenditure within the same
period. These figures represent 83.29
per cent and 39.24 per cent levels of performance when matched against the
pro-rata provisions of N19.07 billion and N14.70 respectively.
RECURRENT
REVENUE
8. The
components of the estimated Recurrent Revenue of N38.87 billion were
Internal Revenue N6.17 billion; Statutory Allocation N24.83
billion; Excess Crude N3.49 billion and 13 per cent Oil Mineral
Derivation Fund N4.39 billion.
Against these estimates, the sums
of N5.29 billion or 114.31 per cent; N15.35 billion or 82.46 per
cent; N2.87 billion or 109.71 per cent; N1.11 billion or 33.72
per cent performance were recorded when matched against the pro-rata estimates
of N4.63 billion, N18.62
billion; N2.61 billion; and N3.29 billion respectively for
the period under review.
RECURRENT
EXPENDITURE
9. In
Year 2007 Budget, the total recurrent estimate was N25.43 billion. The figure includes Personnel Costs of N9.71
billion; Overhead Costs of N8.60 billion and Consolidated Revenue Fund
Charges (CRFC) of N7.11 billion.
Against these estimates, the sums of N7.32 billion or 100.43 per
cent; were disbursed as Personnel Costs; N5.87 billion or 90.94 per cent
as Overhead Costs; and N2.74 billion or 50.64 per cent as Consolidated
Revenue Fund Charges when viewed against the pro-rata estimates of N7.29
billion; N6.45 billion and N5.33
billion respectively as at 30th September, 2007.
PENSIONS
AND GRATUITIES
10. In
Year 2007 Budget, an estimate of N2.83 billion was made for Pensions and
Gratuities for the payment of terminal benefits of retired public
officers. As at 30th
September, 2007 a total sum of N1.34 billion had been disbursed
indicating 47.35 per cent performance when matched against the proportionate
estimate of N2.12 billion for the nine month period.
CAPITAL
RECEIPTS
11. During
the year under review, the sum of N8.11 billion was approved as estimated
capital receipts while actual receipts amounted to N3.06 billion. This represents 50.1 per cent performance
level when compared with the pro rata provision of N6.09 billion as at
30th September, 2007.
However, Government recorded sundry assistance in kind from foreign
donors which when monetized would raise the level of performance.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
12. Out
of the aggregate capital budget size of N19.61 billion in 2007 financial
year, the sum of N6.61 billion was disbursed as at 30th
September, 2007. This expenditure
profile, when compared with the proportionate estimate of N14.70 billion
for the same period represents 39.24 per cent performance. Highlights of the sectoral performance are as
follows:
ECONOMIC SECTOR
13. The Economic Sector which comprises
Agriculture and Rural Development; Livestock; Fisheries; Manufacturing
(Industry); Energy (Rural Electrification); Commerce, Finance and Cooperative
and Transport sub-sectors had a budgetary provision of N6.18 billion,
out of which a total sum of N2.17
billion was spent. This disbursement
indicates 46.80 per cent performance when matched against a proportionate
estimate of N4.63 billion as at the end of September, 2007. A number of achievements were recorded in
this sector during the year under review.
In the Agriculture Sub-sector, fertilizers, high yielding seedlings and
cassava plants were made available to farmers to increase their level of
productivity. In respect of the
Transport Sub-sector, the sum of N1.51 billion was spent on construction
and rehabilitation of inter-city roads while in the Energy sub-sector, the
Umelu 11/415kv network electricity project was energised and put into use. Also, the Uneme Eruru/Ojirami 33kv line has
been
fully completed.
SOCIAL SECTOR
14. The Social Sector which encapsulates
Education, Health; Information and Culture; and Social Development, Youth and
Sports sub-sectors had a budgetary allocation of N3.78 billion in 2007 and
actual expenditure of N1.06 billion as at 30th September,
2007. This represents a budgetary
performance of 37.33per cent against a pro-rata provision of N2.83
billion. In the Health Sub-Sector, the
State Government recorded remarkable achievements among which were the
construction and equipping of the new Chief Stella Obasanjo Women and Children
Hospital, Sapele Road, Benin City for which the sum of N490 million was
spent. In addition, repair and
renovation works were carried out in existing government hospitals. The Education sub-sector witnessed the
renovation, rehabilitation and reconstruction of primary and secondary school
infrastructures in the three senatorial districts of the State. In the same vein, the College of Education
Igueben, Institute of Technology and Management, Usen and Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma witnessed
renovation and construction work. In the
information sub-sector, the Edo Broadcasting Service was provided with
equipment to enhance its capacity to disseminate information to the people. In the Social Development, Youth and Sports
arena, Government maintained its posture of keeping sports in the front burner
of the State development agenda. The
sum of N135 million was spent on Social Development, Youth and Sports
development.
ENVIRONMENTAL (REGIONAL) DEVELOPMENT
15. This Sector subsumes Water Supply; Drainage
and sewerage; Town and Country Planning; Housing; and Community Development
sub-sectors. The Sector had a budgetary
provision of N6.92 billion for the year, out of which the sum of N1.26
billion was spent as at 30th September, 2007. This represents 24.32 per cent performance when compared with a
pro-rata provision of N5.19 billion for the period. In the Water sub-Sector, several water
schemes are on-going while water treatment chemicals, UPVC and Asbestos pipes
and submersible pumps were supplied. In
the Drainage and Sewerage/Environmental Protection Sub-Sector, the monthly
environmental sanitation exercise was intensified as part of measures put in
place to keep the state clean.
Similarly, blocked drainages were cleared of debris while efforts were
made to evacuate refuse, especially in our cities and towns.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
16. This sector which embraces N2.73 billion in the 2007 fiscal
year. Against this provision, the sum of
N2.03 billion was disbursed as at 30th September, 2007
representing 99.17 per cent performance when considered against a pro rata
estimate of N2.05 billion. Among
the physical achievements recorded were the renovation/rehabilitation of some
structures in Governor’s Office as well as the renovation of some government
quarters. Furthermore, utility vehicles
were purchased for Ministries and Extra-Ministerial Departments and law enforcement
agencies. In addition, computer sets and
photocopying machines were purchased and distributed to Ministries and other
Government establishments to enhance service delivery.
17. Mr.
Speaker and Honourable Members, let me thank you for patiently listening to the
review of the performance of the Year 2007 Budget including its achievements as
well as constraints. In preparing the
2008 Budget therefore, cognizance has been taken of the 2007 budget performance
during the 2nd half of Year 2007 and strategies evolved to ensure
brighter prospects for the New Year.
THE YEAR
2008 BUDGET.
18. Mr.
Speaker Sir, Honourable Members, having highlighted the philosophy and policy
objectives of the 2008 Budget and reviewed the general performance of 2007
Budget, it is my pleasure to now present to this Honourable House, the 2008
Budget.
MAJOR GOALS AND POLICY OBJECTIVES OF YEAR
2008 BUDGET
19. The major policy thrusts of the Year 2008 Budget align with
the Manifesto of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP), the Edo State Economic
Empowerment and Development Strategy (SEEDS) and the economic blue print of the
present administration for taking
i.
Expansive/Aggressive internal revenue
generation and collection;
ii.
Road construction/rehabilitation across the
State.
iii.
Maintenance and Expansion of basic
infrastructural facilities with emphasis on rural electrification and water supply;
iv.
Provision of qualitative and affordable
education and health-care delivery services;
v. Development of
Agriculture for self-sufficiency and self-reliance in food and raw material
production;
vi.
Investment Promotion;
vii.
Creation of employment opportunities for our
growing population;
viii.
Development of youth empowerment programmes;
ix. Pursuit of a peaceful and
crime-free society; and
x.
Sustenance of a highly proactive and
well-motivated Public Service.
xi.
Entrenchment of Good Governance through adherence to the principles of transparency,
accountability, due process and the
establishment of a functional and effective Due Process Office in the State.
HIGHLIGHTS
OF THE YEAR 2008 BUDGET
20. In
pursuance of the above major goals and policy objectives of the Year 2008
Budget, Edo State Government has proposed a total budget package of N60.66
billion. Its major components are as
follows:-
(a) REVENUE
(i) Recurrent Revenue - N41.37 billion
(ii) Capital Receipts - 19 .29
billion
TOTAL REVENUE = N60.66 billion
(b)EXPENDITURE
(i) Recurrent Expenditure N30.33 billion
(ii) Capital
Expenditure - 30.33 billion
TOTAL EXPENDITURE = N60.66 billion
RECURRENT
REVENUE
21. The
proposed total Recurrent Revenue Estimate of N41.37 billion in 2008
Fiscal Year will be derived from the following sources:-
N
(i) Internal Revenue - 8.27 billion
(ii) Statutory Allocation - 28.00 billion
(iii) 13 Percent Oil Mineral
Derivation
Fund - 1.60
billion
(iv) Excess Crude Oil
Reserve
Fund - 3.50 billion
Total = N41.37 billion
INTERNAL
REVENUE
22. The
sum of N8.27 billion is proposed as Internal Revenue in 2008 Financial
Year. The amount represents an increase
of N2.10 billion or 34.05 per cent over the sum of N6.17 billion
in the outgoing year. This increase in
the estimated internally generated revenue is hinged on government resolve to
embark on aggressive revenue drive by further empowering the Board of Internal
Revenue and harnessing all the revenue potentials in the State.
STATUTORY
ALLOCATION FROM THE FEDERATION ACCOUNT
23. The total expected recurrent revenue
from the Federation Accounts in 2008 Financial Year is N33.10
billion. The components are as follows:-
N
(i) Statutory Allocation - 28.00
billion
(ii) 13% Oil Mineral Derivation
Fund - 1.60 billion
(iii) Excess Crude Oil Reserve
Fund - 3.50 billion
Total =
N33.10 billion
When viewed against the estimate of N32.71
billion in 2007, the amount represents a marginal increase
of N0.39 billion or 1.19 per cent.
24. The
Year 2008 Budget size of N60.66 billion shows a relative increase of N15.63
billion or 34.70 per cent when compared with the 2007 Budget of N45.03
billion. The relative increase in size
is attributable to the resolve of this present Administration to embark on
aggressive revenue generation and block all leakages within the system. With a revenue proposal of N60.66
billion and expenditure of N60.66 billion, the State Government has
proposed a balance budget.
25. A
major feature of the 2008 budget is the allocation of 50% of the total budget
estimate to capital projects. This is a
major departure from the previous years’ budget and reflects the determination
of this Administration to aggressively and positively address the
socio-infrastructural problems of the State, especially road construction and
rehabilitation, provision of affordable and accessible Health Care, provision
of qualitative and affordable
Educational system, provision of potable water and Rural Electrification
to all communities in Edo State.
RECURRENT
EXPENDITURE
26. The
estimated Recurrent Expenditure for 2008 is N30.33 billion. It
comprises
the following:-
N
(i) Personnel Cost 12.19 billion
(ii) Overhead Costs 10.55 billion
(iii) Consolidated
Revenue
Fund
Charges (CRFC) 7.59
billion
Total Recurrent Expenditure N30.33 billion
The Recurrent Expenditure estimate of N30.33
billion represents an increase of N4.90 billion or 19.28 per cent over
the approved provision of N25.43
billion in the 2007 Fiscal Year.
The increase in total recurrent
expenditure is to enable Government meet its increased recurrent wage bill
obligation to Edo State Public Officers.
CONSOLIDATED
REVENUE FUND CHARGES (CRFC)
27. An
estimate of N7.59 billion has been set aside in Year 2008 Budget with
respect to Consolidated Revenue Fund Charges (CRFC) as against the figure of N7.11
billion in 2007 which shows an increase of N0.48 billion or 6.74 per
cent. The elements that make up the
expenditure figure include Emoluments of Statutory Office Holders; Pensions and
Gratuities; 10 per cent of Internally Generated Revenue to Local Government
Councils; State Contribution to Local
Government Pensions Fund; Servicing of External Debts; etc.
PENSIONS
AND GRATUITIES
28. The
sum of N2.22 billion has been provided for the payment of pensions and
gratuities in 2008 Fiscal Year. This
Administration is committed to regular
release of funds to defray accumulated debt owed
retired public officers in the State. In
addition, my Administration will continue to sustain the payment of monthly
pensions before the 30th of every month in order to reduce the
financial stress on retired public officers.
CAPITAL RECEIPTS
29. The
proposed Recurrent Revenue for 2008 Financial Year is N41.37 billion
while the Recurrent Expenditure is N30.33 billion.
This gives a recurrent budget surplus of N11.04 billion. This surplus will be transferred to the State
Capital Development Fund as capital receipts in addition to the sum of N19.29
billion from opening balance; draw down from Internal and External Loans,
Grants, miscellaneous sources etc.
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
30. A Capital budget package of N30,33 billion has been proposed for the 2008 Fiscal year. This amount represents 50.00 per cent of the
total Budget size of N60.66 billion.
The proposed amount shows an increase of N10.72 billion or 54.67 per cent over the approved estimate of N19.61 billion in 2007. The
increase in the budget is to enable the State Government grapple with the
challenges of rebuilding vital infrastructure such as roads, schools, health
etc. The broad sectoral allocation of
the 2008 Capital Budget are as follows:-
|
S/No. |
Sector |
Proposed Allocation 2008
|
% of Proposed Allocation |
|
(i) |
Economic |
11.99 |
39.52 |
|
(ii) |
Social |
6.97 |
22.97 |
|
(iii) |
Environment
Development(Regional) |
8.53 |
28.13 |
|
(iv) |
General
Administration |
2.84 |
9.38 |
|
|
TOTAL |
30.33 |
100.00 |
PRIORITY PROJECTS:
31. In line with the desire of this
administration to provide good governance, rebuild the State, the under-listed
priority projects have been identified to redirect the State to a path of
sustainable development.
|
S/NO. |
|
|
|
(i) |
Road
Reconstruction and Rehabilitation |
10.28 |
|
(ii) |
Drainage
and Sewerage |
2.50 |
|
(iii) |
Basic
and Higher Education Projects |
3.58 |
|
(iv) |
Health
Care Delivery Projects |
2.94 |
|
(v) |
Oil
Mineral Producing Communities Projects |
0.90 |
|
(vi) |
Rural
Electrification |
2.91 |
|
(vii) |
Water
Supply Schemes |
2.39 |
|
(vii) |
Agricultural
Projects |
0.46 |
ECONOMIC SECTOR
AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT:
32. The present Administration in N0.46 billion, representing 1.51 per cent of
the 2008 Capital Budget has been made for this Sub-Sector.
INDUSTRY (MANUFACTURING):
33. The
Manufacturing Sub-sector will focus on the provision of investment friendly
environment to attract viable investors to the State. In this respect, the Industrial Estates in N0.43 billion or 1.40 per cent
has been provided for the Manufacturing Sub-sector in the 2008 Capital
Estimates.
ENERGY (RURAL ELECTRICITY)
34. There is no doubt that the provision of
electricity supply is fundamental for sustainable development and rural
transformation. The present
administration will therefore pursue vigorously the provision of electricity to
every Community in the State. In the
2008 fiscal year, Government hopes to implement up to fifty (50) rural
electrification projects as well as bulk purchase of major electrical materials
such as aluminium conductors so as to facilitate the execution of on-going and
new projects. In this regard, the sum of N2.91 billion or 9.59 per cent of the
Capital Budget has been allocated to the Energy Sub-Sector in Year 2008.
TRANSPORT
35. It is
common knowledge that the state of
our roads is appalling and therefore requires surgical
intervention. For this reason, the
Transport Sub-sector ranks first in the priority list of Government in the 2008
financial year. Government will
therefore live to its promise of providing motorable highways and feeder Urban
and rural roads towards ensuring smooth movement of people and commodities. Inter City roads will be rehabilitated in a
systematic and phased approach. Other activities which will receive the desired
attention include procurement, repair and maintenance of road construction
equipment, plants and tools etc.
Accordingly, the sum of N8.08 billion or 36.63 percent, is
expected to be disbursed on the Transport Sub-Sector in 2008.
SOCIAL SECTOR
36. EDUCATION:
As the engine that propels the wheel of human awareness, development of
the mind, self-esteem and societal advancement, education will remain a
frontline engagement in the development agenda of the present
Administration. In effect, the year 2008 Action Plan for this
Sub-sector, which will propel the State to achieve the Millennium Development
Goals of Education for All by the Year
2015, will be through provision of qualitative, affordable and functional
education with high moral content at all levels. In 2008, Government will vigorously pursue
its policy of expansion and provision of infrastructure in secondary and tertiary
Institutions in the State. Deliberate
policy will be put in place to ensure accreditation of programmes in the
various Tertiary Institutions. Also,
Science, Technical, Vocational, Instructional and logistic facilities will be
provided in our schools, while Education Management Information System (EMIS)
will be provided at the Ministry of Higher Education for effective Monitoring
and Evaluation. In addition, the establishment of 6 (Six) new model secondary
schools will be undertaken from 2008 to provide more qualitative learning
environment to our children.
Consequently, the Education Sub-Sector has been allocated the sum of N3.58
billion or 11.79 per cent in the 2008 Capital Budget.
HEALTH
37. In pursuit of the policy stance of this
Administration to promote, sustain and bring qualitative and affordable health
care delivery services to all inhabitants of N2.94
billion, which represents 9.70 per cent of the 2008 Capital Budget.
SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT, YOUTH AND SPORTS
38. Towards ensuring crime-free environment
especially among youths, Government will accord adequate attention to reducing
the prevailing threat to life and property in the State. Also, this administration would encourage
mobilization of Youths to contribute to national development, care for the
physically challenged and aged persons.
In this regard, all the Skills Acquisition Centres in the State will be
provided with necessary equipment to make them more functional so that our
Youths can learn and acquire useful skills. Also the development of sports will
continue to be accorded priority.
Sportsmen and Women who excel in national and international competitions
will receive deserved honour and reward.
In the circumstance, the sum of N0.21.billion representing 0.68
per cent of the capital Estimate has been set aside for this Sub-Sector during
the year 2008.
ENVIRONMENTAL (REGIONAL) DEVELOPMENT SECTOR
WATER RESOURCES AND WATER SUPPLY
39. This
Sub-sector ranks among the priority needs of the State. This is in recognition of the fact that water
is fundamental to human existence, industrial development and agricultural
production. In this regard, prime
attention would be accorded to the completion and rehabilitation of on-going
water schemes across the State, particularly the N2.37
billion representing 7.83 per cent of the Capital Budget package has been
provided for the Water Resources and Water Supply during the 2008 fiscal year.
DRAINAGE AND SEWERAGE
40. It is a common knowledge that the menace
of flood and erosion, environmental degradation and other ecological nuisance
with attendant devastating effect to life and property have reached disturbing
proportions all over the State due to neglect over the years. Government will therefore redouble its
efforts towards abating these problems by strengthening existing institutional
machinery, take preventive and general measures as well as complement available
efforts with support from the National Ecological Fund, NDDC, World Bank and
other Donor Agencies to sustain on-going work on ravaged locations across the
State. Also, this Administration has put
in place stringent Environmental control measures, so that waste generated will
be properly disposed to forestall blockage of flood channels and drains. Therefore, a provision of N2.61
billion, representing 8.60 per cent of the 2008 Capital Estimates has been
earmarked for the sub-sector.
TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING
41. Year 2008 will witness massive
rehabilitation of Township roads across the State. In order to ensure safety of lives and
property on our roads, provision of roads and traffic directional lights and
other infrastructure will be given adequate attention. Also, the Benin City Matrix Depot Project,
Township Mapping and Regional Surveys will be executed. To achieve this, the sum of N2.46
billion or 8.12 per cent of the Capital Budget is reserve for the Town and Country Planning sub-sector.
GENERAL ADMINISTRATION
ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDINGS
42. As part of Government effort to create
good working environment for its work force and thereby increase productivity,
this Administration has decided to complete and equip on-going Administrative
building projects in the State during the 2008 financial year. In particular, the burnt Palm House Building
Complex will be rehabilitated and fully renovated. Other priority projects include the
completion of block D of the new Government Secretariat to accommodate
government offices currently in rented apartments as well as renovate the Civil
Service Commission Building which has become dilapidated as a result of
age. To this end, an allocation of N1.36
billion or 4.49 per cent is provided in the 2008 Capital Budget for this
sub-sector.
OTHER (OFFICE EQUIPMENT, FURNITURE AND VEHICLES)
43. It is the desire of this Administration
to put in place a highly skilled and mechanized Bureaucracy to give effect to
the operationalisation of Government polices and programmes with despatch. Therefore, in the 2008 financial year, the
on-going computerisation of Ministries and Extra-Ministerial Departments will
continue to receive prime attention with the provision of more computers with
internet connectivity in a Local Area Network for prompt and efficient service
delivery. During the year, provision of
vital logistics such as vehicles, office equipment and other facilities will be
provided. Consequent upon this, a
provision of N1.48 billion or 4.89 per cent of the Capital Estimate has
been set aside for this sub-sector.
BUDGET IMPLEMENTATION STRATEGIES
THE PUBLIC SERVICE:
44. The
critical role of the Public Service as the engine room for policies and
programmes articulation and implementation cannot be over-emphasized. In recognition of this fact, the Public
Service will be repositioned for pragmatic
policy formulation and delivery.
Government will therefore provide appropriate incentives by way of
institutional strengthening, capacity building, work-friendly environment and
regular promotion of eligible Officers.
Consequently, this administration expects the best from its work force
as it will not condone any act of indiscipline or shoddy performance. Government will ensure equitable distribution
of available manpower especially to institutions situated in rural communities.
INTERNAL REVENUE GENERATION AND COLLECTION
45. It is obvious that finance is a core
factor for meaningful budget delivery.
In this connection, collection of internal revenue will be aggressively
pursued in the 2008 fiscal year. In
addition, all untapped Internal Revenue Sources in the State will be
exploited. Furthermore, existing
leakages in Revenue Assessment, Collection and Accountability will be blocked.
To realise this, the Board of Internal Revenue and other revenue-collecting
agencies will be provided with appropriate logistics and incentives to enable
them bring more eligible persons and establishments into the tax net. I therefore call on all eligible Tax Payers
in the State to fulfil their civic responsibility by paying their taxes
correctly and promptly.
FINANCIAL CONTROL IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE
46. It is mandatory for all Ministries and
Extra-Ministerial Agencies to adhere strictly to the principles of
accountability and transparency in the management of public funds. Let me state categorically that the present
administration has zero tolerance for corruption. In this vein, the Due Process Office has been
established and made functional in the State with capable manpower to ensure
compliance.
PROJECT MONITORING AND EVALUATION
47. All the existing institutional outfits
for project monitoring and evaluation will be strengthened with appropriate
logistics and equipment as well as personnel to enable them discharge their
responsibilities.
THE ORGANIZED PRIVATE SECTOR
48. In recognition of the role of the Private
Sector in the growth and development of any
modern economy, this administration will continue to reach out to the organised
Private Sector for partnership and collaborative ventures. Also, in 2008 financial year, Government will
provide the necessary enabling environment to encourage private sector
initiative in the developmental process.
SECURITY
49. The safety of life and property is a
continuing concern of Government because a stable and peaceful environment is
indispensable to meaningful socio-economic development. Accordingly, Government will continue to provide logistics and equipment to
the Nigeria Police and other Law Enforcement Agencies to assist them in curbing
the menace of criminals and other anti-social elements in our society.
CONCLUSION
50. The Rt. Honourable Speaker, Honourable
Members of this most distinguished House, Invited Guests, Gentlemen of the
Press, Ladies and Gentlemen, the foregoing are the major policy thrusts, goals,
programmes and projects intended to bring about positive changes in the
governance of Edo State and a sense of hope for an even more promising
future. The proposals contained in the
2008 Budget are aimed, not only at the realization of the broad goals and
objectives of the Budget, but also meeting the general aspirations and specific
expectations of our people. I seek your
understanding and cooperation as you
consider the 2008 Budget proposals with the interest of our people and
your constituencies in mind.
51. I will like to emphasize that this
Administration appreciates the anxiety of the people of
52. At this juncture, let me acknowledge the
very pleasant rapport and cordiality between the Executive and the Legislature
in
53. I am optimistic that this Honourable
House will rise to the occasion by playing its part in this urgent and
important task. At this juncture, I
sincerely request for your speedy deliberation and approval of this Budget and
passage of the Appropriation Bill that
accompanies it.
54. It is now my honour and privilege, Mr.
Speaker, Sir, Honourable Members, to formally present to you the 2008 N60.66 billion and the Appropriation Bill for your consideration,
approval and passage into Law.
55. Thank you and God bless.
GOVERNMENT HOUSE
6TH DECEMBER, 2007