The Southern Ijaw Local Government Area (LGA) in Bayelsa on Friday proposed to spend N8.98 billion for the 2024 fiscal year.

Hon Target Segibo, Chairman of the LGA, presented the budget estimates to the Southern Ijaw Legislative Assembly at Oporoma, headquarters of the council.

He explained that he budget focuses on critical areas to fast-track development of the LGA.

He listed the key areas to include infrastructure, education, healthcare, agriculture, sports, workers’ welfare, poverty reduction, security, employment generation and rural development.

The budget, he said is built around his commitment to transparency and accountability of the various income and expenditures.

The Chairman In his presentation said the implementation of the budget will fulfil his key campaign promises to people of the area.

He noted that the implementation will be largely determined by the support of other actors in the Council and people of Southern Ijaw.

“Under this administration, Southern Ijaw Local Government Council will create and break grounds across development sectors.

“This is all due to our commitments in an inclusive growth.

“Of particular interest, Mr. Leader, and members of the Southern Ijaw Legislative Assembly, are the recent data on healthcare delivery, poverty, unemployment.

“Also, welfare of workers and physical development of the LGA as well as Security.

“All these are critical demonstrations that Southern Ijaw Local Government Area will be better within the three (3) years of my very focused administration,” Segibo said.

He said the budget will be funded with incomes from the federal allocations, internally generated revenue, grants and other capital receipts.

The budget allocated N2.73bn, 30.44 per cent of the budget estimate to recurrent expenditures.

Whereas ₦ 6.056bn representing 67.40 for capital expenditure.

Receiving the budget estimate on behalf of other members, Leader of the Southern Ijaw Legislative Assembly, Mr. Edward Oweila, commended Segibo on his proactive leadership.

He applauded the timely presentation of a people-oriented budget.

He assured the Council Chairman that the House will thoroughly consider the budget estimate with a view to passing it within expected time.

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