Emmanuel signs 2023 appropriation bill of N700bn into law

Ini Billie, Uyo

Governor Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom State has signed into law the 2023 appropriation bill of N700 billion passed by the State House of Assembly.

The budget signed by Emmanuel at the last State Executive Council Meeting for 2022 comprises N356 billion and N344 billion as capital and recurrent expenditure respectively.

A press release signed by the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Ini Ememobong and made available to our correspondent in Uyo on Saturday, noted that the government extended the retirement age of teachers in the employ of the state government, from 60 to 65 years with effect from December 30, 2022.

He said: “The approval was granted for the release of the sum of N675 million for the payment of the 2019 leave grant to teachers in government employ. Exco granted approval for the employment of 1,000 junior staff into the state civil service.

“Exco granted approval for the training of 2,000 youths in Maritime safety and surveillance, to be undertaken by the Ministry of Labour and Manpower Planning.”

The governor also approved the remediation of the dump site at Uyo village road and landfill management, and mandated the Ministry of Environment and Solid Minerals and Akwa Ibom State Environmental Protection and Waste Management Agency to execute the task.

“Approval was granted for the award of contract for the construction of 12.8 km Ikot Ukpong Inuaenyen-Ikot Eteng Ndon-Atan Ikpe Road with 1 no 15M span bridge in Ikot Abasi local government area.

“Approval was granted for the award of contract for the construction of 6.1km Shelter Afrique/Nnung Ette flood control tunnel in Uyo and Ibesikpo/Asutan local government areas.

“Exco granted approval for the award of contract for the construction of 9.0 KM Ikot Ada idem- Ediene Ikot Obio Imo-Ikot Oku Ikono road in Ibiono Ibom/Uyo Local Government areas,” the release noted.

While undertaking an analysis of the global macroeconomic trends and their implications on the microeconomic environment, the governor reaffirmed his commitment to the Completion Agenda.

He also charged all the executive members to redouble their efforts in the delivery of their respective ministerial mandates, saying the administration had little time before the expiration of his tenure.