Politics
Ogun 2022 Appropriation Bill: Abiodun presents N351bn ‘Budget of Restoration’
Ogun 2022 Appropriation Bill: Abiodun presents N351bn ‘Budget of Restoration’
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, on Tuesday presented a sum of N351bn as the proposed appropriation bill for the year 2022 before the House of Assembly.
Abiodun, while presenting the fiscal proposal christened ‘Budget of Restoration’, said the main task of his administration next year is to increase pace of the implementation of its development plan as already designed and encapsulated in the ‘Building Our Future Together’ agenda.
Adding that the budget for 2022 will also seek to sustain and improve on the gains so far made in the delivery of good governance to the people of Ogun State, Abiodun noted that the state under his watch, has begun moving very steadily towards full recovery from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said his administration’s budget credibility as determined by performance in year 2021 was better than what Ogun has ever had in its history while noting that his administration was able to achieve 80% IGR as of September 30, 2021.
He said: “Judging from our Internally Generated Revenue, we were able to achieve 80% IGR as at 30th September of this year. A brief detail of this, indicates that out of the State IGR Budget size of N121, 806,876,775.63 this year, a sum of N73, 064,877,599.72 was generated as at Q3 September ending, translating to 80% proportional performance, as against 44% proportionate performance recorded in Q3 2020. This indicates an improved performance, owing to the digitalisation of our processes and the introduction of Central Billing System, amongst others.
“A further break down reveals that, out of a total estimation of N338.61Billion projected as total funding, comprising of expected inflows N121.81B as IGR; N58.87 Billion as Statutory Allocation/ Value Added Tax and N139.53 Billion as the Capital Receipts, respectively. As at September ending, Q3 2021, the actual total funding was N177.02 billion representing 70% of the prorated revenue target of N253.96 billion”, he stated.
The governor said that despite the economic constraints, his administration has made modest progress within the available limited resources in the outgoing year by carrying out people-oriented projects such as road re-construction and rehabilitation across the three senatorial Districts of the state; health care delivery; education sector revitalization; affordable housing projects; agricultural development; digital and technological revolution; better sports development; and, improved welfare of workers, among others.
While pointing out that three town hall meetings were held to have inputs of the people and shape the priorities of his administration in preparing the 2022 budget, Abiodun, said “the proposed appropriation bill would focus on completion of existing projects; projects with revenue potential; projects consistent with priorities articulated in the State Economic Development Strategy and projects that can enhance employment generation”.
The governor said that the estimated N350.74 billion for the year 2022 will be funded through the Ogun State Internal Revenue Service (OGIRS) expected to generate N56.30b, while other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) estimated to generate N96.87 billion totaling N153.17 billion.
He added that N73.01b is expected from statutory allocation (FAAC and VAT), while capital receipt – internal and external loans, grants and aids – is estimated at N124.56 billion.
Abiodun, who explained further that 51 percent capital expenditure has been achieved in view of the need to drive his administration’s developmental objectives, said that recurrent expenditure for 2022 will gulp N154b, while capital an aggregate sum of N170b will made available for capital expenditure, which according to him is an increase of N10b over the sum approved for the 2021 budget.
Highlighting the proposed budget, the governor announced infrastructure to take the lion share of N77,775b, representing 22% of the total budget.
This was followed by education and health sectors with proposals of N56,071.21b and N35,073.51b, representing 16% and 10% of the total budget, respectively.
Abiodun, however, noted that N170billion allocated to capital expenditure is to chart economic recovery growth through investment in physical projects that will create enabling environment for investment, create employment and trigger redistribution of resources.
He added a total sum of N7.7b is provided for transfers to the Stabilization
Fund to insulate and position the state towards unprecedented activities or economic shocks.
The governor thanked the Ogun State House of Assembly for its continued collaboration and cooperation within the ambits of the Separation of Powers, soliciting for its unflinching support to enable the the executive and the legislature collectively deliver on their promises in the coming year.
“Let me re-emphasize that the people of Ogun State expect that the 2022 Budget will contain only implementable and critical projects, which when completed, will significantly address current structural challenges of the economy, improve the business environment and accelerate economic recovery.
“I have directed all Commissioners, Accounting Officers and Heads of Agencies to be personally available for budget defence”, he stated.
Abiodun also appreciated the Ogun people for the trust and confidence they have reposed in his administration.
“We appreciate the invaluable support, cooperation, and prayers of all stakeholders. Our gratitude goes to our political class; our revered Royal Fathers, Elder Statesmen, our Religious leaders, Development Partners, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), Market Women and Men and indeed our Public Servants. We also thank our critics. As our supporters continue to motivate us, our critics are also challenging us to do more. That is the whole essence of democracy. I thank all of us”, Abiodun submitted.
Governor Dauda Lawal Named Part of Presidential Delegation for Historic UK State Visit
Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has been named as a member of the presidential entourage that will accompany President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on a historic two-day State Visit to the United Kingdom.
According to a statement from the Zamfara State Government House on Monday, the Governor will depart Abuja for the UK on Tuesday for the visit, which is scheduled to take place on March 18 and 19 at the invitation of the British Royal Family.
During the visit, King Charles III will host President Tinubu, the First Lady, and the Nigerian delegation at Windsor Castle, where they will view a special exhibition of Royal Collection items related to Nigeria. The Royal Family will also host a State Banquet in honour of the Nigerian guests on the evening of Wednesday, March 18.
The presidency has outlined that the purpose of the visit is to strengthen bilateral relations between Nigeria and the United Kingdom. President Tinubu is scheduled to hold talks with Prime Minister Keir Starmer, which are expected to lead to expanded bilateral discussions and the signing of Memorandums of Understanding covering trade, investment, defence, and cultural cooperation.
The President will also serve as the guest of honour at the Nigerian Modernism exhibition, which showcases contemporary art and culture, and will participate in a reception with Nigerian and British business leaders as well as members of the diaspora community.
The Zamfara State Government expressed confidence that Governor Lawal’s participation in the high-level delegation will provide valuable networking opportunities, opening significant prospects for investment and economic benefits for Zamfara State. The visit will also see Governor Lawal display his repertoire of knowledge on global policy and corporate governance and also pitch the Mineral and Farming rich state to potential investors during the bilateral meeting with the UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer.
Politics
LPDC Verdict: CRG Hails Decision Clearing Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Condemns Political Witch-Hunt
LPDC Verdict: CRG Hails Decision Clearing Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, Condemns Political Witch-Hunt
The Centre for Responsible Governance (CRG) has welcomed the decision of the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee (LPDC) dismissing the complaint filed against the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Benjamin Okezie Kalu, describing the ruling as a clear affirmation of due process and institutional integrity.
In a press statement issued on Thursday, the spokesman of the Centre, Obande George, said the verdict of the disciplinary body has once again vindicated the Deputy Speaker and reaffirmed the position earlier taken by CRG that the allegations against him lacked merit.
The LPDC, in its ruling referenced BB/LPDC/1954/2026, held that no prima facie case had been established against the Deputy Speaker and dismissed the complaint in its entirety.
According to George, the decision demonstrates the importance of allowing competent institutions to examine allegations objectively rather than rushing to judgment in the court of public opinion.
“From the onset, the Centre for Responsible Governance maintained that justice must take its course. We insisted that competent institutions should be allowed to examine the issues without political pressure or sensationalism. The LPDC’s ruling has now clearly shown that the allegations had no foundation,” he said.
The CRG spokesman further stated that the decision reinforces the sterling reputation of the Deputy Speaker, who has over the years built a distinguished profile both as a legal practitioner and as a legislator.
“Honourable Benjamin Kalu is a respected member of the Nigerian Bar and an accomplished lawmaker. Attempts by some individuals to impugn his reputation through unfounded allegations were unfortunate and unnecessary.”
CRG also condemned the actions of certain civil society groups that were quick to demand that the Deputy Speaker step aside from office even before any formal determination had been made by the relevant authorities.
George described such calls as premature and irresponsible, noting that they contributed to the politicisation of a matter that required sober institutional review.
“It is disappointing that some civil society organisations rushed to demand that the Deputy Speaker step aside without allowing due process to run its course. Advocacy for accountability must be guided by facts and fairness, not by sensational pressure.”
The organisation also criticised what it described as the role played by some political actors from the South East who allegedly sought to exploit the controversy for narrow political interests.
According to CRG, it is troubling that certain politicians would attempt to undermine one of their own for short-term political advantage.
“It is even more disturbing that some political actors from the South East appeared eager to weaponise this matter in an attempt to bring down one of their own for cheap political gain. Such actions weaken collective political progress and erode the spirit of solidarity required for national development.”
CRG therefore called on Nigerians to learn from the episode and reaffirm respect for institutional processes and the rule of law.
The organisation stressed that public discourse must be guided by evidence, fairness and responsible engagement rather than rumours or politically motivated campaigns.
“The lesson here is simple: allegations must be tested by competent institutions before conclusions are drawn. Nigeria’s democracy will only grow stronger when due process is respected and reputations are not casually destroyed.”
CRG concluded by congratulating the Deputy Speaker for maintaining calm and dignity throughout the controversy, noting that his composure reflected confidence in the justice system.
@The Centre for Responsible Governance, Email: [email protected], Instagram: crgngo6, Twitter: crgng06, Threads: crgngo6
Obasa Appointed to CPA African Executive Committee
The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. (Dr.) Mudashiru Ajayi Obasa, has been appointed as a Sub-National Representative to the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) African Executive Committee.
The announcement was formally conveyed through a letter from the CPA Africa Region, which was read on the floor of the Assembly by the Clerk, Mr. Olalekan Onafeko, on Tuesday, March 10. The appointment confirms Speaker Obasa’s three-year tenure, spanning 2026 to 2029.
Lawmakers took turns to congratulate Speaker Obasa, praising his devotion to parliamentary service and his consistent efforts to strengthen legislative practice. They described his appointment as a recognition of his hard work and a reflection of Lagos State’s growing influence within the Commonwealth. Members noted that his achievements continue to bring pride not only to Lagos but to Nigeria as a whole.
In his remarks, Speaker Obasa expressed gratitude to his colleagues for their support, urging them to remain steadfast in prioritizing the progress of the Assembly and to continue working collectively to advance the legislature. He further directed the Clerk to send a formal letter of appreciation to the CPA African Region for the honour bestowed upon him. “Let us always put the House of Assembly first and never relent in our efforts to move the legislature forward, ” Obasa concluded.
The CPA African Region plays a pivotal role in advancing the interests of African parliaments within the Commonwealth. It is widely recognized for promoting gender equality, women’s empowerment, respect for human rights, democracy, and good governance across member nations.
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