2021 Akwa Ibom Budget Of N435.6 Billion Fiscally Cogent, Viable – Financial Expert
…Seeks N100bn Increase As Industrial Investment Fund
A financial and management consultant, Dr Umanaette Udoh, has described the Akwa Ibom State 2021 budget of N435.652 billion as fiscally cogent and viable to sustain the ‘Completion Agenda’ of Governor Udom Emmanuel-led administration.
Dr Udoh, a former accountant-general of Akwa Ibom State, a certified public accountant, while X-raying the 2021 budget christened, “Budget of Economic Reconstruction”, in an exclusive interview with Crystal Express, expressed satisfaction that Governor Emmanuel has paid a premium to the critical areas of economic and capital development.
“It is quite apt that re-construction and development, such as education, health care, aviation development, infrastructure, industrialization, small and medium enterprises, human capital and capacity development, power and of course, rural and riverine development are well captured.
He, however, suggested that the proposed 2021 budget estimates, as regards the allocation of N267.557 billion under the economic sector, should be increased by N100 billion to serve as Akwa Ibom Industrial Investment Fund.
“I want to plead with Governor Udom Emmanuel and the House of Assembly to add additional N100 billion to this sector. I would personally want to defend this additional provision before the State House of Assembly if given the chance. Paramount in my proposal is that the fund should be christened Akwa Ibom Industrial Investment Fund”, he said.
“Let me acknowledge that the Akwa Ibom State 2021 Budget is very well crafted. A review on the 2020 Budget which was initially almost N600 billion had to be reduced down to N366 billion due to the drastic effect of Covid-19 pandemic. However, the 2020 Budget performance has been very good as indices recorded as of September 2020 are impressive despite the difficult times this year.
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“As you are all aware, the health sector, in particular, has received major attention in actual expenditures in the wake of fighting Covid-19. Testing centres have been constructed and made functional along with the provision of palliatives and working tools. We must all appreciate Governor Udom Emmanuel’s focused and determined efforts and emphasis in this regard.
“I’m not to discuss 2020 Budget figures. Rather let me make a major input into Akwa Ibom Budget 2021. As 2020 draws to a close, I see great opportunities in the cardinal thrust of the economic sector of Akwa Ibom State. A state so loved by God Almighty; a state so blessed that all citizens must continually give thanks to God daily, a state where water is everywhere, a state where honey is everywhere, a state of unlimited resources and opportunities for growth and development,” he analyzed.
