Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has officially signed the 2024 Appropriation Bill into law.
The monumental budget, totaling N703.028bn, was presented to the governor by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olakunle Oluomo, along with other principal officers at the Governor’s Office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Termed the “Budget of Sustainable Growth and Development,” the proposal was initially submitted to the House on November 30th, 2024.
Governor Abiodun expressed confidence that this budget would be instrumental in propelling the state’s growth, emphasizing his administration’s unwavering commitment to realizing its vision.
Governor Abiodun reflected on the substantial progress achieved over the last five years, highlighting the budget’s role in sustaining this upward trajectory.
He stated, “Today, we have a budget that has become law, that is more than twice our budget when we assumed office. Year after year, we have successfully implemented our budget to the tune of a minimum of 70 per cent.”
Acknowledging the state’s economic prowess, he added, “The economy of our state had continued to grow; we have been accorded the rightful place as the state with the most improved economy in Nigeria, fastest growing economy in the country, one of the two most viable states in Nigeria, one of the two states whose Internally Generated Revenue exceed Federal Allocation.”
Abiodun pledged to build on the solid foundation laid by his administration and assured fairness and equity in project implementation across all sections of the state.
He affirmed, “We will ensure that we are inclusive and participatory, we are accountable and obey the rule of law, and ensure that everybody continues to have a say on how we govern them.”
The governor expressed gratitude to the House of Assembly members for their diligence in scrutinizing the budget and their sense of patriotism.
He commended their tireless efforts, stating, “The House has denied itself any of these breaks. They worked very hard and tirelessly.”
Speaker Oluomo, leading other principal officers, explained that the quick passage of the budget within a month was a result of rigorous exercises, including a budget retreat, defense, and committee work. He emphasized the House’s commitment to international best practices, ensuring the budget’s approval aligned with the January 1 deadline.