Categories: Benue news

Why Benue govt slashed 2020 budget by N70 billion

By Terver Akase and Jimin Geoffrey

Owing to the current economic realities and the impending recession caused by Coronavirus pandemic, the Benue State Government has cut down the 2020 Budget from N189 billion to N119 billion.

Govenor Samuel Ortom disclosed this today at the Benue Peoples House Makurdi while briefing journalists shortly after a meeting of the State Executive Council which also had in attendance members of the State Action Committee on COVID-19.

He explained that the downward review of the budget which is to be forwarded to the Benue State House of Assembly became necessary following International Monetary Fund, IMF’s projection of a recession in Nigeria that would force a contraction of the country’s economy by 3.4% and states of the federation would be adversely affected.

Governor Ortom said as part of measures to mitigate the negative effect of the looming recession, Benue has resolved to take advantage of its rich agricultural potentials by going into increased food production not only for consumption but also for commercial purposes.

Towards this end, the Governor announced the constitution of a committee known as Agricultural Value Chain, Review and Development Cooperation Committee, with him as Chairman and his Deputy, Engineer Benson Abounu as Vice Chairman, while members of the State Executive Council are members, same as selected experts who would be part of the committee.

He identified massive land clearing and cultivation of arable lands in all parts of the state as some of the measures against the anticipated recession, calling on every Benue person to return to farming to make food security a priority and take on the agriculture value chain.

On the fight against Coronavirus, Governor Ortom said the State Government has extended the dusk to dawn curfew and the closure of markets, as well as other preventive measures against COVID-19 by two weeks.

He stressed that though no new case of the virus has been found in the state even after the doctor who handled the index case, his staff and the 23 other persons went into self isolation, it is important that Benue people remain vigilant and strictly adhere to preventive measures such as frequent hand washing, the use of alcohol-based sanitizers and social distancing.

The Governor who expressed the preparedness of the state against the spread of COVID-19, commended members of the State Action Committee for a job so far well done. He also informed the media that samples of the young man in Gungul, Konsisha Local Government Area who fell sick had been taken to Abuja for COVID-19 test.

Ben Idah

Recent Posts

Soaring rice prices threaten Christmas celebrations for Nigerian families

Rice, a staple for Christmas celebrations in Nigeria, has become a luxury this year. Soaring…

1 day ago

Panic as Stage collapses during Odumodublvck’s performance at Lagos concert

Panic erupted on Saturday at a concert in Lagos when the stage collapsed during Odumodublvck’s…

1 day ago

2025 Budget: FG allocates ₦6.36bn for renovation of Tinubu, Shettima’s official quarters

The Federal Government of Nigeria has allocated ₦6,364,181,224 billion for the refurbishment and rehabilitation of…

1 day ago

Black Market Dollar to Naira Exchange Rate Today 22nd December 2024

The black market dollar to naira exchange rate for today, 22nd December 2024, can be…

1 day ago

NNPC debunks shutdown rumors, confirms fuel loading at Port Harcourt Refinery

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has refuted claims that the 60,000 barrels per…

1 day ago

‘We have to find a way’ – Guardiola laments after defeat to Aston Villa

Manchester City finds itself in unprecedented turmoil, with relegation-level form showing little sign of improvement.…

1 day ago