Lagos Assembly passes 2016 Appropriation Bill
(Nigeria) The Lagos State House of Assembly on Thursday
passed the N662. 588 billion budget for the 2016 fiscal year in the state.
The approval by the lawmakers followed the adoption of the
recommendations of the House Committee on Budget and Economic Planning during
the plenary session.
Mr Rotimi Abiru, the Chief Whip, moved the motion for
adoption, while the Chairman, House Committee on Environment, Mr Dayo
Saka-Fafunmi, seconded it.
The House approved the sum of N275. 655 billion from
Consolidated Revenue for recurrent expenditure, as against Gov. Akinwunmi
Ambode's proposed estimate of N278. 90 billion.
It also approved the sum of N386. 933 billion from
Development Revenue for capital expenditure, as against N383.67 billion
proposed by the governor.
The approval showed a reduction of N3.3 billion in the
governor's proposed recurrent expenditure and an increase of the same amount in
the capital expenditure.
In his comment, Saka-Fafunmi commended the committee for its
scrutiny of the budget.
The lawmaker cautioned against spending of money that the
state did not have or approve.
Mr Setonji David, Chairman, House Committee on Physical
Planning and Urban Development, also commended the committee, but said he
expected more funds would be allocated to infrastructure development, for more
road construction in the state.
The Speaker of the House, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, who read the
breakdown of the budget, directed the Clerk of the House, Mr Ganiyu Abiru to
communicate the approval to the governor.
Obasa, who assured residents of improved welfare in the new
year, commended members of committee for their efforts.
"Residents should look forward to positive developments
and positive changes," he said.
Ambode had, on December 17, presented the budget estimate to
the Assembly for approval.
Meanwhile, the House also passed a bill for a law to amend
the Lagos State University, LASU, Law, 2004 after a debate.
The House approved a tenure of five years for the Vice-Chancellor
and other Principal Officers of the university, such as Deputy Vice Chancellor,
Registrar, Bursar and the Librarian.
The House also passed a bill for a law to provide for the
establishment of the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund and for a Board to
manage the fund.
The speaker directed the clerk to send copies of the bills
to the governor for his assent.
The House, thereafter, went on a five-week recess, to resume
plenary on February 4, 2016.
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