By Nkechi Ojukwu
The Executive Chairman of Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA, Hon. Ambrose Chinedum Nwachukwu, has presented the 2025 fiscal year budget outlay with a total of
Five billion, six hundred and twelve million, eight hundred and eight-two thousand, eight hundred and sixty five Naira, (N5, 612, 882, 865), to the Legislative Council of Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA on Wednesday, February 12.
The motion to usher in the Executive Chairman into the hallowed chamber for the budget presentation was moved by the Chief Whip and Councilor representing Onicha Ward, Hon. Ajaa Echezolachi . Following was the special address read by the Leader of the Council, Rt. Hon. Mgbechi Benson to welcome the Chairman and his entourage.
The Chairman’s entourage included; the Vice Chairman ,Hon. Matthew Igbokwe, Secretary to the LGA, Hon. Ekpe, Supervisors, Heads of Departments and the entire staff of the Council who were led into the chamber.
The budget which was tagged ” Budget of hope, new take off” was read out by the Executive Chairman , Hon. Ambrose Chinedum Nwachukwu.
The break down of the Budget Estimate outlines the expected expenditure in two main categories: recurrent expenditure and capital expenditure.
*Recurrent Expenditure:
– *Personal Costs: This includes salaries, allowances, and contingency funds for 578 staff, totaling ₦504,803,720.
– *Overhead Costs: This covers services, materials, and departments, totaling ₦781 million.
– *Contingency Funds: ₦601 million is allocated for unforeseen expenses.
– *CSRC: ₦160 million is set aside for this purpose.
*Capital Expenditure:
– *Economic Development: This includes agriculture/cash crops production, skills acquisition, and empowerment programs.
– *Infrastructure Development:
_Rural Electrification_: Provisions of transformers, solar cables, and solar panels.
_Roads Development and Maintenance_: Upgrading and maintaining roads in the LGA.
_Drainages and Flood Control_: Construction of flood drainage systems to affected communities.
– *Social Services Sector:
_Education_: Renovations, constructions, and equipping of primary schools.
_Healthcare_: Upgrading health centers and providing necessary equipment.
_ICT Development_: Improving ICT infrastructure in the LGA.
– *Area Developments:
_Clean Water Supply_: Providing clean water and equipment for environmental cleanliness.
_Construction of Flood Drainage_: Protecting communities from flood damage.
– *General Administration:
_Construction and Renovation_: Upgrading chairman’s lodge, DPO’s lodge, and other official buildings.
_Purchase of Official Vehicles_: Providing vehicles for the Chairman, Vice, Leader of the Council, and Councilors.
The 2025 budget for Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA is designed to promote economic development and improve the lives of its citizens. The budget’s sources of income include:
– *Crude Oil Sales: The national budget is designed and guarded through oil sales, influx from oil sales, and shared by the Federal Allocation Account (FAA) to fund revenue.
– *Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): IGR is expected to contribute 8% of the total budget, amounting to ₦450 million.
– *External Sources: The LGA will receive ₦1.441 billion from external sources, including VAT, NNPC reforms, and excess crude remittance.
The budget allocates funds to various sectors, including:
– *Recurrent Expenditure: ₦5.048 billion for personal costs, overheads, and contingency funds.
– *Capital Expenditure: Funds allocated for capital projects, such as infrastructure development, healthcare, education, and economic empowerment.
The Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area (LGA), has made significant strides in delivering the dividends of democracy to its people. Since assuming office in October 2024, the LGA administration has focused on consolidating the Share Prosperity Agenda of the Executive Governor of Imo State,Sen. Hope Uzodinma.
Hon. Nwachukwu, hinted that this present administration’s efforts have yielded tremendous success in various areas, including:
– *Infrastructure Development: Improvements in roads, rural electrification, and energy development.
– *Human Capital Development: Enhancements in education, healthcare, and social services.
– *Security: Strengthened security measures to protect lives and property.
– *Economic Development: Initiatives to promote agriculture, rural development, and entrepreneurship.
The state government’s efforts to create measures for service delivery and encourage rural development,he noted are commendable.
Addressing rural roads challenges and infrastructure is crucial for promoting economic growth and improving the quality of life for rural communities.
He recalled that, 2024 budget focus on Share Prosperity Agenda is a step in the right direction. However, the budget’s performance was affected by weak Internally Generated Revenue,IGR and external factors such as global market conditions.
To improve IGR performance, reviewing bylaws to reflect current realities is essential. This includes updating charges for goods and services, roads, and compliance by community members.
*Key Areas for Improvement:
– _Infrastructure Development_: Investing in roads, electrification, and improved sanitation is vital for rural development .
– _Agricultural Development_: Promoting inclusive agricultural development can help reduce poverty and improve food security .
_Social Protection_: Improving social protection coverage in rural areas can help address poverty and inequality .
_ Internal Revenue Generation_: Enhancing IGR performance through efficient tax,collection, rates, license,
fees, fan, grants, contributions, interest in payments and dividends earnings from commercial undertakings, compliance is crucial for sustainable development. Hon. Chinedum, explained.
By addressing these areas, the government can create a more conducive environment for rural development and improve the lives of rural communities.
The Chairman, further emphasized that the sum of N1,012,634, constituted the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): at (3.34% of the total budget), while
External Components Comprises;N2,884,515,700, at (96.6% of the total budget)
– Total Budget: N2,985,778,0,40 (approximately).
These projections were affected by
weak IGR performance
Poorly performing and untapped IGR sources and
external factors, such as unpredictable external inflows,
these challenges slowed down the budget’s implementation and performance.
By prioritizing these areas, 2025 budget can make a significant impacts on the lives of people of Ezinihitte Mbaise,he stated.
” I therefore present the 2025 budget of Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA, with a total appropriation bill of N5,612,880,865, to the leaders and Councilors of Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA ,7th Assembly to pass and approve into a law as our budget and economic blueprint for the 2025 fiscal year” ,the Executive Chairman summited.
The Leader of the Council,Rt. Hon. Mgbechi Benson and the entire Councilors applauded the Executive Chairman for a detailed presentation of the budget. The deputy leader of the Council Rt. Hon. Stephen Echeta and the Councilor representing Eziudo Ward moved the motion to receive and adopt the budget. The Legislative Council expressed their readiness to commit the budget through the required Legislative processes and for the approval of the development and growth of Ezinihitte Mbaise LGA. While the Chief Whip of the Council, Hon. Ajaa Echezolachi moved the motion for the Executive Chairman to bow out with his entourage.
