Ondo Assembly passes 2024 appropriation bill into law

The Ondo State House of Assembly officially approved the 2024 appropriation bill, amounting to N395.257 billion, during a plenary session held on Friday, just two days after the passing of former Governor Rotimi Akeredolu.

Lawmakers endorsed the budget into law following the acceptance of the report from the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, as presented by its Chairman, Oluwole Ogunmolasuyi.

Notably, the Assembly revised the initial N385 billion budget proposed by Governor Lucky Ayedatiwa, increasing it by over N10.734 billion.

Chairman Ogunmolasuyi, in his remarks during the bill’s passage, clarified that the revised estimate surpassed the governor’s presentation by more than N10.734 billion. He emphasized the importance of sustaining and improving internally generated revenue and urged the government to align the budget with the needs of Ondo State.

He stated, “The committee, after an interface with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for the defense of their respective estimates, amended the original bill and recommended N395 billion.”

Ogunmolasuyi further directed the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget, along with the Ministry of Finance and Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS), to collaborate in enhancing the state’s revenue while adhering to existing laws.

Speaker of the House, Hon Olamide Oladiji, expressed confidence that the signed bill would contribute to the development and growth of the state, equipping the governor to deliver on democratic promises. He commended the committee’s efficiency and timeliness, acknowledging the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget for its commendable work.

Additionally, the House of Assembly passed the 2024 N6 billion appropriation bill dedicated to the services of the Ondo State Internal Revenue Service (ODIRS). The ODIRS Appropriation Bill allocates N5,468 billion for recurrent expenditure and N855.45 billion for capital expenditure.

Before proceeding with legislative business, lawmakers observed a minute of silence in honor of the late Governor Rotimi Akeredolu, who passed away on the preceding Wednesday.