Lalong Presents 2020 Budget Of Rescue, Infrastructural Consolidation To Plateau Assembly

Yakubu Busari

The 2020 Budget Tagged “BUDGET OF Rescue And Infrastructural Consolidation” Presented To The Plateau State House OF Assembly by  His Excellency, The Executive Governor OF Plateau State, RT. Hon. (DR). Simon Bako Lalong.

The RT. Hon. Speaker, Plateau State House of Assembly,

Honourable Members and

Citizens of Plateau State.

“A BUDGET OF RESCUE AND INFRASTRUCTURAL CONSOLIDATION”.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honour and privilege to address this Honourable House and the People of Plateau State on the 2020 Budget of the Rescue Administration.

Since this is my maiden official budget presentation after my re-election in May this year, may I with all sense of humility and appreciation acknowledge and thank the Plateau People for your trust, understanding, perseverance, resolute determination and collective support that returned this Administration for the second term to carry on with our stewardship towards accelerated Socio-Political and Economic Development of our State.

Before I present to you the 2020 Budget, it is appropriate we take a look at the past performance of the 2019 budget and assess the achievements of government in the last Financial Year.

2019 BUDGET REVIEW

The 2019 Budget that was christened the “Budget of Rescue and Infrastructural Growth” had a total size of One Hundred and Fifty-Three Billion, Five Hundred and Thirty-Seven Million One Hundred and Ninety Thousand and Sixty-Nine Naira (₦153,537,190,069.00) only.

This was made up of Eighty-five billion, four hundred and seventy-one million, two hundred and eighty eight thousand, seven hundred and seventy five Naira (₦85,471,288,775.00) only as Recurrent Expenditure and sixty eight billion, sixty five million, nine hundred and one thousand, two hundred and ninety four Naira (₦68,065,901,294.00) only as Capital Expenditure.

REVENUE MOBILIZATION AND GENERATION.

The significance of revenue generation as a critical factor to any successful budget implementation cannot be over emphasized. Therefore, in our efforts to meet revenue targets most especially the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), we have set new targets for the State Internal Revenue Service to redouble its efforts.

Accordingly, Government has approved the appointment of a reputable revenue expert to facilitate the maximization of internally generated revenue accruable to the state.

This it is hoped will accelerate significant revenue increase which before now had witnessed an increase from an average of eight hundred million Naira (N800,000,000.00) to slightly over N1.1 billion IGR per month.

Mr. Speaker, Hon. Members, a lot   still needs to be done if we are to generate sufficient revenue internally to address the critical challenges of development including services like Salaries and other government running costs.

In June this year, we approved 100% retention of all revenues accruing to all Tertiary Institutions in the State.

However, we have noticed with dismay that there are some MDAs that are yet to completely key into the TSA System.

These MDAs have been directed to immediately comply while others who have, are encouraged to come up with programmes and strategies to maximize revenue generation and collection.

In the spirit of Accountability and Transparency during the year under review, January to October 2019, a total revenue of sixty four billion, eight hundred and fifty four million, nine hundred and thirty five thousand, six hundred and seven Naira, thirty one Kobo (N64,854,935,607.31) was realized from the following sources:

IGR, State Revenue Allocation, Value Added Tax (VAT), Exchange Gain Rate Difference from the Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Excess Crude, Domestic Grants, and Reimbursements.

However, you will appreciate that we are not there yet and a lot still needs to be done if we are to maximize our internal revenue potential.

To accomplish our set objectives, the State Government engaged the Boston Consulting Group (BCG) to work out strategic development plans, which included revenue generation.

RECURRENT EXPENDITURE

We have continued to build and maintain harmony and tranquillity between Government and Labour by not only paying salaries and wages of workers as at when due but also ensuring full implementation of staff progression in terms of promotions annual increments and advancements.

Mr. Speaker, Hon. Members, recently the State Government established the Plateau State Health Insurance Management Agency (PSHISMA) to carter for the Medical Health needs of Civil Servants and Citizens in the state.

The security situation is relatively peaceful but a large some of our resources are still being spent on Peace Building Initiatives and Conflict Management.

During the period under review the sum of forty three billion, four hundred and sixty-six million, one hundred and ninety seven thousand, six hundred and four Naira and thirty-two Kobo (N43,466,197,604.32) only was spent as recurrent expenditure for payment of workers’ wages as well as salaries and government running cost.

It is however important to note that substantial part of the recurrent expenditure was spent on settlement of liabilities of the state, to the tune of Nine billion, five hundred and fifty-three million, one hundred and seventy-seven thousand, six hundred and two Naira and thirty-three Kobo (N9,553,177,602.33) only. This amount was directly deducted from FAAC revenue of the State.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

Between January and October 2019, the Sum of Eleven Billion, Seven Hundred and Thirty-two Million, Eighty-four Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty-Four Naira, Sixty Five Kobo (N11,732,084,354.65) only was spent on capital projects.

STATE OF THE STATE

From the period we assumed office apart from entrenching peace and security, instilling confidence in the people, we took a lot of steps to re-establish fiscal responsibility. We also ensured sustainable development in the different sectors of the economy.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, we built the 2020 Budget around the idea that our state has always done best when everyone gets a fair share.

We need Plateau State in the next few years to be ranked among the highest in skill development; highest – Educated Workers; the most Advanced Transportation and Communication Network and the firm commitment to peaceful co-existence and renewed security of lives and property of our citizens.

This, it is hoped will be the panacea to inclusive growth and self-reliance. In this way, we need not to be burdened by years of debt and debt clearance, arrears payment, deficit financing etc, which characterised a greater part of our Budget in the past.

Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members, I have taken time to explain the above so that we appreciate the State of our State and that in the year ahead, we will continue to pursue Policies, Programmes, Projects and Activities that will shore up our State and our Fiscal situation.

We intend to cut deficit financing by more than 10% and clearance of debt and arrears by minimum of N5 billion annually. In this way, we hope to come up with a realistic Budget, in line with recommendation to qualify for the State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) Programme.

THE 2020 BUDGET ESTIMATE

Mr. Speaker, before I go into the details of the 2020 budget estimates, let me take a panoramic view of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).

The Plateau State Fiscal Responsibility Law (PLSFRA), 2014 makes statutory provisions requiring the State Government to prepare the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) for the next three years as a planning tool that defines government’s economic, social and development objectives and priorities as enshrined in the State Development Strategy 2019-2023.

It also details the strategies to achieving government’s defined objectives, and highlights the key assumptions behind revenue projections, strategic objectives behind the expenditure framework, and fiscal targets over the medium term. Furthermore, it articulates the nature and fiscal significance of Government’s debts and measures to reduce such liabilities.

The Plateau State MTEF/FSP 2020-2022 is in tune with the State Development Strategy 2019-2023, which articulates government’s fiscal situation and agenda in the mist of dwindling oil receipts and slowdown in economic activities resulting in lower tax yields and other internally generated revenues. This creates a widening fiscal gap with the expected minimum wage in the offing.

The Medium-term Economic Policy 2020-2022 responses required the positioning of the State economy for local sufficiency, value for money and revenue optimization. Government plans to continue with strategic spending on critical economic sectors especially Agriculture, Solid Mineral Development (Mining) and Tourism.

The goal is to create opportunities for all segments of the economy and distribute the dividends of increased prosperity fairly across the society such that the indices of human development like unemployment, poverty, inequality, etc. trend in the right direction.

Government will utilize its principal fiscal policy tool which is the public budget as well as other associated policies to create the enabling environment that would lead to economic transformation and growth. In this regard, Government will focus on sourcing funds, locally and internationally through Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), Public Private Partnership (PPP), Donors etc.

In general, the key thrusts of the MTEF and FSP 2020 – 2022 are in line with the aspirations of the present Administration as articulated in the 2020 – 2022 Medium-term Development Plan.

Mr. Speaker, Hon. Members, having given brief highlights of the performance of the 2019 budget, it is my esteemed privilege to present to this Honourable House the 2020 Budget Estimate, tagged “BUDGET OF RESCUE AND INFRASTRUCTURAL CONSOLIDATION”.

The rationale behind this budget is to emphasize our Administrations commitment and resilience to the ideals of continuity in governance, policy and program implementation as well as sustainability in socio-economic prosperity and infrastructural development of the State. We shall also consolidating on the gains and achievements of this Administration’s first term in office.

This Budget was prepared under a reasonable degree of consistency both in policy and realism since we came into office in 2015. In the 2020 fiscal year, the total budget size is One Hundred and Seventy-Two Billion, Five Hundred and Ninety-Six Million, Three Hundred and Seventeen Thousand, Five Hundred and Seventy-Seven Naira (₦172,596,317,577.00) only.

This brings to an increase of Nineteen Billion, Fifty-Nine Million, one hundred and Twenty-Seven Thousand, Five Hundred and Eight Naira (₦19,059,127,508.00), representing 12.41% on the 2019 Budget estimate.

RECURRENT REVENUE

The recurrent revenue in this budget is seventy-one billion, two hundred and eleven million, six hundred and seventy-three thousand, seven hundred and twenty-three Naira (₦71,211,673,723.00) only. This consists of the following:

1. INTERNALLY GENERATED REVENUE: Twenty-one billion, two hundred and eleven million, six hundred and seventy-three thousand, seven hundred and twenty three Naira (₦21,211,673,723.00)
2. STATUTORY REVENUE ALLOCATION: Forty-six billion Naira (N46,000,000,000.00).

3. RE-IMBURSEMENT: -Revenue for the Federal Roads constructed by the State Government: Two billion, five hundred million Naira (N2,500,000,000.00).

4. Others include NNPC, Petroleum Profit Tax (PPT), Exchange Gains Rate, etc., amounting to one billion, five hundred million Naira (N1,500,000,000.00).

CAPITAL RECEIPTS

This consists of the following:

1. Value Added Tax (VAT): Eighteen Billion Naira (N18,000,000,000.00)

2. Draw Downs from Donor Projects: Fourteen billion, seven hundred and fourty four million, eight hundred and fifty thousand, three hundred and twenty Naira (N14,744,850,320.00)

3. External Loans: Twelve Billion Naira (₦12,000,000,000.00)

4. Investment (General): Nine Billion Naira (₦9,000,000,000.00)
5. Domestic Grants (General): Four Billion Six Hundred and Thirty Five Million Five Hundred and Forty Three Thousand Five Hundred and Sixty Four Naira      (₦4,635,543,564.00)

6. Domestic Loans: Forty Two Billion Nine Hundred and Three Million Two Hundred and Forty Nine Thousand Nine Hundred and Seventy Naira             (₦42,903,249,970.00).

Despite government’s efforts at articulating prudent estimate projections, this year’s Budget remains in deficit financing in the sum of Thirty-Two Billion, Nine Hundred and Three Million Two Hundred and Forty-Nine Thousand Naira (₦32,903,249,000.00) only.

This represents 19% of the Budget size. Funds will be sourced locally and internationally to close this deficit gap as the need arises.

RECURRENT EXPENDITURE

This year’s Recurrent Expenditure amounts to Ninety Eight Billion one Hundred and Forty Six Million Six Hundred and Nine Seven Thousand Nine Hundred Naira (₦98,146,697,900.00) only, representing 56.86% of the Budget. It is made up of:

1. PERSONEL COST – ₦37,000,600,000.00: You are all aware that Recruitment Exercise in the State has become crucial due to the fact that a good number of workers have left the service due to retirement, resignation etc.

You may also wish to know that there is a review of the National Minimum wage, which will greatly affect the wage bill of the State. We have therefore made this provision bearing in mind that our wage will soon be affected.

2. OVERHEAD COST – Twenty-Seven Billion, Eighty-Six Million, four hundred and Fifty-Six Thousand Naira ₦27,086,456,000.00 Only: The running cost of government has also increased due to demands from our citizens

3. CONSOLIDATED REVENUE FUND CHARGES – Thirty-four Billion, Fifty-Nine Million, Six Hundred and One Thousand, Nine hundred Naira ₦34,059,641,900.00 only.

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, the proposed Capital expenditure in this year’s Budget is Seventy Four Billion, Four Hundred and Forty Million, Six Hundred and Nineteen Thousand, Six Hundred and Seventy Seven Naira  (N74,449,619,677) only. This represents 43.14% of the total budget.

SECTORAL ALLOCATION

1. Administrative Sector: Eleven Billion, Six Hundred and Forty-Six Million, Four Hundred and Seventy-Five Thousand Naira (N11,646,475,000.00) only. This represents 15.64% of the Capital Estimate.

2. Economic Sector: Forty-Four Billion, Ninety-Four Million, Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (44,094,550,000.00) Only representing 59.23% of Capital Estimate.

3. Law/Justice Sector: Six Hundred Million, Six Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira (N600,620,000.00) Only. This figure represents 0.81% of Capital Estimate.

4. Social Sector: Eighteen Billion Four Hundred and Forty-Nine Million, Six Hundred and Nineteen Thousand Six Hundred and Seventy-Seven Naira (N18,449,619,677.00) Only, representing 24.32% of Capital Estimate.

SUB-SECTORAL ALLOCATION

The breakdown of the capital estimate based on sectoral allocations are as follows:

1. ADMINISTRATION AND FINANCE

Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members, the achievement of the 3-Pillar Policy Thrust of this Administration depends on the effectiveness of these sectors that harness and coordinate both the human and financial resources for the day-to-day running of the state.

For the fiscal year, 2020, the sum of Eleven Billion, Six Hundred and Eighty-One Million, Twenty-Five Thousand Naira (N11,681,025,000.00) only, representing 15.69% of the Capital budget is allocated to the Administration and Finance Sub-Sectors.

The Ministry of Finance is expected to consolidate and ensure full implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS); evolve more robust policies of Finance and Investment; Procurement; Debt Management; improved seamless IGR collections by MDAs, amongst others.

Similarly, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning is expected to consolidate on ensuring compliance with budget procedures and budget reform management.; planning and expenditure through the MTEF and MTSS as well as the review of abandoned properties policy to boost Revenue.

Let me reiterate that Government remains fully committed to sustaining the existing peace in the State in all ramifications. Therefore, I call on the Citizens to continuously remain proactive and cooperate with the.

2. AGRICULTURE

In this Fiscal Year the sum of Two Billion One Hundred and Thirty Five Million, Eight Hundred and fifty Thousand Naira (N2,135,850,000.00) Only is allocated for Agricultural Programmes. This represents 2.87% of the Capital Budget which will facilitate the rehabilitation and reactivation of farm centres, training schools, agricultural hubs amongst others.

3. COMMERCE AND INDUSTRIES

The Estimate for Commerce and Industries sub-Sector is One Billion Five Hundred and Fifty-One Million, Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N1,551,250,000.00) Only, representing 2.08% of the Capital Budget. It is envisaged to achieve the following:

1)            Establishment and Operation of the One-Stop-Shop Investment Centre (OSS/OSIC);

2)            Digitization of processes and procedure of registration of business/industry and cooperatives;

3)            Facilitating the acquisition of Permanent Trade Fair ground.

4)            Facilitating the establishment of Fertilizer blending and food Processing Plant and Metal Recycling Factory.

5)            Completion of acquisition of BARC Farms Ltd and Rehabilitation of burnt Jos Main Market.

4. EDUCATION

The Sum of Ten Billion, Seven Hundred and Forty-Four Million, Six Hundred and Seventy-Four Thousand, Six Hundred and Seventy-Seven Naira (N10,744,674,677.00) Only, representing 14.43% of the Capital Budget.

At the different levels of secondary and tertiary levels, in addition to their various strategic plans, it is hoped to achieve the following:

1)            Building of e-libraries, ICT Centres; Workshop, and Vocational Training Workshops in all schools.

2)            Provision of instructional materials, furniture and facilities in all schools.

3)            More robust Human Resource Development through train the trainers workshops/seminars, and the establishment of Teacher Resource Centre for continues refresher training and capacity building.

4)            Organising Schools Competition and Sporting Activities.

5)            Creating entrepreneurship centers to train students to develop skills in different subjects or areas of interest.

5. ENVIRONMENT AND MINERAL SECTORS

The Environment and Mineral Sub-Sectors have an allocation of Seven Billion, Eighteen Million, Nine Hundred Thousand Naira (7,018,900,000.00) only. The Estimates of these two Sub-Sectors represent 9.43% of the Capital Budget.

In the Ministry of Environment, we hope to accomplish the following:

1)            Reclamation of Gully Erosions Sites in various parts of the State

2)            Rehabilitation, fencing and furnishing of Shendam Divisional Forest Office.

3)            Resuscitation of Bukuru Central Nursery.

4)            Renovation of Soil Conservation School Mile 8, Fier, Pankshin.

5)            Purchase of Waste Disposal Bins

In the Mining Sector, we hope to Identify and acquire mining concessions for Plateau Mineral Development Company (PMDC); Establish Tin & Columbite Processing Plant; Enter into and actualize Joint Venture Partnerships with Investors.

Very critical too, we hope to engender planned exploration of high-profile minerals such as Lead, Zinc, and at the same time identify and organize the Artisanal and Small-Scale Miners (ASMs) into Cooperatives.

6. HEALTH

The sum of Four Billion, Five Hundred and Sixty Six Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira (N4,566,500,000.00) only has been allocated to the health Sector. This Sub-Sector allocation represents 6.13% of the Capital Budget for the following.

1)            Completion and renovations of General hospitals in Kwall, Kanke, LGA; Mabudi, Langtang South; Plateau State Specialist Hospital Jos; three General Hospitals Shendam, Pankshin and Langtang and primary health facilities

2)            The newly created Plateau State Contributory Healthcare Management Agency (PLASCHEMA) enjoy support so as to guarantee financial access to both primary and secondary health facilities.

7. INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION

The sum of One Billion, Two Hundred and Eighty One million, Five Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N1,281,550,000.00) only, representing 1.72% of the Capital Budget is allocated to the Information and Communication Sub-Sectors.

8. JUDICIARY

The sum of Nine Hundred Million, six Hundred and Twenty Thousand Naira (N900,620,000.00) Only, representing 1.21% of the Capital budget is allocated to the Judicial Sub-Sector. As a step towards ensuring quick dispensation of justice, in addition to completion and renovations of our Courts, Government will ensure:

1)            Fast-tracking of drafting of necessary legislations to address current trends in criminality such as Cultism, Land grabbing and Kidnapping.

2)            Review and amendment of the State Laws as well as quarterly monitoring of the implementation of the new Penal Code and Administration of Criminal Justice Law in the State.

3)            Conducting mass campaign on the use of Alternative Dispute Resolution Mechanism to enhance speedy resolution of commercial disputes in the State.

4)            Organising Mediation training for 20 Counsels per quarter from year 2020.

5)            Annual and speedy rendering of legal advice.

9. LANDS, HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT

These Sub-Sectors are allocated Six Billion, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Nine Million, Five Hundred thousand Naira (N6,969,500,000.00) Only, representing 7.57% to the Capital Budget.

The Ministry of Lands and Survey is expected to Complete the PLAGIS Project and System Platform; Implementation of approved layouts; Systematic land Trifling; Intensive Revenue Generation, Commercialization of GIS Map Production and Implementation of Residential Layout in each LGA amongst others.

10. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

The Science and Technology Sub-Sector has been allocated One Hundred and Sixty-Five Million Naira (N165,000,000.00) Only and it represents 0.22% of the Capital Budget. The Ministry will continue to synergize with relevant MDA’s to establish and build information Technology Hubs in the three Senatorial zones as well as actualizing e-government capacity building of our vast human resources.

11. TOURISM, CULTURE AND HOSPITALITY

The Sum of Five Hundred and Sixty-One Million, Nine Hundred Thousand (N561,900,000.00) only is allocated to these Sub-Sectors and their budget represents 0.75% of the Capital Estimate. This will ensure,

1. Completion of Professor Luka Bentu indoor Theater
2. Upgrade the Jos Wildlife Park and other existing tourist sites and hotels within Jos and its environs.

3. Acquisition of more animal species to Jos Wildlife Park

4. Acquisition of priority tourist sites.

5. Creation of calendar of all various cultural festivals in the state.

6. Hosting of the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST 2020).

12. WATER RESOURCES AND ENERGY

These Sub-Sectors have an allocation of Fifteen Billion, Five Hundred and Five Hundred and Seventy-Four Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N15,574,850,000.00) Only, representing 20.92% of the Capital Budget. The Ministry is expected to accomplish the following:

1)            With Gazetting of Water Sector and Energy Corporation Laws, ensure the successful take off, of the Plateau Municipal Water Supply Agency (PLAMWASSA), and the Water Sector Regulatory Commission.

2)            Metering of Water Consumers (Water Board).

3)            Implementation of Open Defecation-Free Programme

4)            Partnership Expanded Water Sanitation Hygiene Programme (PEWASH)

5)            Rural electrification of identified Agric Hubs, Mining and Tourist sites)

6)            Mangu Water Project (phase 1) and the Barkin Ladi (Heipang Airport, Polytechnic, Inland Depot) Dam Project (Phase1).

13. WOMEN, YOUTH AND SPORTS

The Sum of One Billion, Six hundred Million Naira (N1,600,000,000.00) Only, representing 2.15% of the Capital Budget.

14. WORKS AND TRANSPORT

The Sum of Fourteen Billion, Thirty Million Naira (N14,030,000,000.00) Only, and the allocation to these Sub-Sectors is 14.82% of the Capital Budget. These Ministries are expected to accomplish the following:

1. In the transport sector, the administration will ever than before concentrate on the completion of the 28 road projects inherited from the previous regime in addition to the 25 roads and bridges awarded by my administration.

2. As a major lubricant of economic growth, and with recent accenting to the Public Private Partnership Law the necessary reforms for the concessioning of roads, bridges and other infrastructure in the State would be pursued and implemented.

3. Flagging off the operating zero potholes within Jos Bukuru Metropolis immediately.

COMMITMENT TO GOOD GOVERNANCE AND ACCOUNTABILITY.

Our approach to sustainable governance policy implementation and staff welfare will continue to be given priority consideration. For example, the issue of the New National Minimum Wage has recently been in the front-burner.

Government appreciates the Organised Labour and Civil Servants as partners in progress. We see the yearnings or demands for increase in the minimum wage as a genuine source for motivation, improved productivity and general improvement in the living conditions of our Civil Servants and their families.

I have accordingly approved the constitution of government committee to negotiate with the organised labour with a view to coming out with modalities for implementation.

We share in the challenges faced by all and sundry in the light of some market forces that could defeat the good intention behind salary increase. With the Bill now passed into Law at the National Level and accented to by Mr. President, we are also fully committed to its implementation and have therefore made provisions in the coming fiscal year to address the issues.

Similarly, as part of our new strategic plans for sustainable Human and Infrastructural Growth, we intend to upscale our Internally Generated Revenue through levies and rates for social services in accordance with Extant Laws.

Through our planned Economic Summit too, we hope to improve our investments in productive sectors of the economy to increase our earnings, provide some palliative measures for the citizens, as well as fund some of our development programmes.

Furthermore, execution of Projects and Programmes will continue to occupy front burner in our determination to deliver efficient services to the people.

It is in this respect that The Project Monitoring and Result Delivery Unit domiciled in the Office of the Chief of Staff has been established under Office of the Executive Governor with clear mandate to ensure diligent tracking of Projects and Programmes implementation by all the MDAs.

CONCLUSION.

Mr. Speaker and Hon. Members, I am greatly delighted for this opportunity to present to you and the Plateau People this Budget of Rescue and Infrastructural Consolidation.

While urging the Honourable House to diligently peruse and deliberate on the Budget, I look forward for your cooperation in its speedy passage to enable Government commence implementation and service delivery from onset of the New Year.

An accelerated Passage will also be a panacea for the State to qualify for the World Bank States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS), Disbursement Link Indicators I and II (DLIs I&II) and Eligibility Criteria (EC I).

While thanking you for your time, I wish to extend my best wishes for a Merry Christmas celebration and prosperous New Year.

The RT. Hon. Speaker and, Honourable Members, Having fulfilled the Provisions of section 121 Sub-Section 1 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) by reading the Budget, it is now my Honour to seek the permission of the Speaker and the Honourable Members of the House to lay the 2020 “BUDGET OF RESCUE AND INFRASTRUCTURAL CONSOLIDATION” for consideration and Passage into Law.