The Oyo state House of Assembly on Thursday passed the 2019 Appropriation bill of N285, 151, 248, 190.48 billion into law.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the approved sum is an addition of N151, 248, 190.48 to the initial sum of N285, 000, 000, 000 presented to the house by Gov. Abiola Ajimobi on Dec.31. 2018.
NAN also reports that the House presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon .Joshua Ojo, consented to the passage of the bill.
Ojo said the implementation of the budget would commence between April and May.
“As we have passed the budget now, the approval is the most important thing for now, and which we have done. ‘’ he said.
The speaker said the house passed the bill after a clause by clause consideration and amendment proposal to the initial N285 billion presented by Ajimobi.
NAN reports that the adoption was based on the reports and recommendations of the House Committee on Public Accounts, Finance and Appropriation headed by Hon. Mrs Bolanle Agbaje(APC/ Ibadan North I).
The Appropriation bill tagged “Budget of Transition” is expected to consolidate on the gains of the present administration and prepare ground for the smooth take – off of the incoming administration.
The house approved N121.619 billion as the total re-current expenditure, and N163.531billion as the total capital expenditure.
“By so doing the governor will know that he has power to spend from the budget approved.
” I am very sure that we are in the house till May ending, the house will still be sitting and carrying out our oversight functions,” said Ojo.
He said the budget which the house passed would be fully implemented.
The house had recommended that government should be pro-active in blocking all revenue leakages as a means of preventing wastage, as well as provide required logistics for revenue generating agencies.
It said collection of statutory taxes should be vigorously pursued and tax defaulters dealt with according to the law.