From George Onyejiuwa Owerri
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has presented a N755.5 billion budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year to the House of Assembly.
Presenting the budget titled, ‘Budget of expanded economic opportunities” yesterday, Uzodimma told the House that the total amount of the budget is N755,588,041,220 with recurrent expenditure of N112,302,000,000 and capital expenditure of N643,286,041,220.
He also informed the lawmakers that all the ministries and other relevant sectors were captured in the appropriation bill to ensure that all segments get a positive impact of the budget.
Giving summary of the budget, he explained that the ministry of works and infrastructure development got 46 percent of the budget with total sum of 296,461,152,778, followed by the Ministry of Transportation with the total sum of 101,010,000,000 as the Ministry of Education got the least amount with 7,420,000,000.
Uzodimma, said his priority is to concentrate on total implementation of the budget to achieve maximum results.
He pointed out that the 2025 budget is to leverage on the achievements recorded in the 2024 budget, which he said his administration did its best to ensure its full implementation.
“Through prudent management amidst a tough economic and financial year, we did our best to faithfully implement the 2024 budget.
“So many laudable projects were achieved. These include ongoing flyover at Assumpta Roundabout, Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu International Conference Centre and dualisation of Owerri – Umuahia Road.”
He thanked the House for its support towards the success of his administration and the cordial relationship that exists between the two arms of government.
Speaker of the House, Chike Olemgbe, assured him of speedy passage of the bill and continuous support of his administrative programmes in alleviation of poverty and economic restructuring of the state.