Nigeria Content Online

he Acting Governor
of Delta State , Sam Obi, on Wednesday presented a budget proposal of
₦240.58 billion for the 2011 fiscal year to the State House of
Assembly.Presenting the budget titled ‘Budget of Consolidation and
Empowerment’ in Asaba, Mr Obi said the government will spend ₦117.85
billion as capital expenditure as against ₦122.73 billion for recurrent
expenditure.He explained that the 2011 budget showed a decrease of
₦91.27billion when compared with the 2010 approved budget of ₦331.86
billion.

He revealed that the decrease is as a result of the militant
activities in the Niger Delta and the declining derivation revenue
allocation to the state.He also explained that the budget is the last
budget of the present administration and that in view of the
transition, emphasis will be on the completion of ongoing projects.

He said, ‘‘we
intend in the coming year to continue to maintain a close watch on our
budget and fiscal management processes accordingly. ‘‘We will also
improve on our existing structures and explore more efficient ways of
doing government business. We shall ensure that these measures will
lead ultimately to greater fiscal discipline and prudence,” the acting
governor said.

He noted that the economic and environmental sectors are naturally
the growth-driving segments of the economy, adding that the budget
proposal will focus on economic growth of the state.These include
agriculture, manufacturing, energy, commerce and cooperatives, tourism,
finance, transport, water resources, urban and regional planning,
housing and sewage.