2024 Budget appraisal: AKHA Tasks MDAs On Revenue Generation

The Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, through its Committee on Appropriation and Finance has commenced 2024 budget appraisal of Ministries and Parastatals for the first quarter.

Speaking during the Committee’s first sitting on Monday, 22 April, 2024 at the conference hall of Assembly, the Committee Chairman, Hon Itorobong Etim said the exercise was important to ensure that targets were met as expected.

She noted that the exercise was part of their legislative oversight over ministries and government agencies to review budget performance and the challenges faced by them.

Etim who represents Uruan State Constituency, while soliciting for cooperation from MDAs, said the exercise became necessary to ensure that funds earmarked for projects were judiciously utilised.

Commenting on the progress of work done at the International Terminal during presentation by Ministry of Special Duties, the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon Kufreabasi Edidem noted that the level of work done at the MRO and perimeter fencing were not commensurable with the funds released.

"Everywhere we went, apart from the perimeter fencing and the MRO, we saw a remarkable improvement, we saw remarkable work done. We have seen this money released, but what is done there is not commensurable with the money released. They themselves admitted. There is a need to improve and make sure Akwa Ibom people draw good benefit from Akwa Ibom money".

Other members of the committee who spoke during the exercise, tasks ministries and MDAs on the need to improve their revenue based.

Ministries, Department and Agencies that appeared before the Committee include: the Ministry of Special Duties, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Information, Akwa Ibom Property and Investigation Company (APICO) and Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic.

Lawmakers who graced the exercise include the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem, Rt. Hon. Asuquo Nana, Ikono, Hon. Moses Essien, Ibiono, Prince Aniefiok, Attah Nsit Atai, Hon. Pius Bassey, Okobo, Hon. Mrs. Precious Selong, Urueffong Uruko, and Sampson Idiong, Oruk Anam.

The exercise continues today.

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