The Plateau House of Assembly has approved a supplementary budget of N109.7 billion to address urgent state needs, enhance infrastructure and promote social cohesion.

The approval was contained in a statement by Philip Eplong, Press Secretary to Plateau Speaker.

The approval came after the presentation of a report by the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, Hon. Adamu Aliyu, during plenary at the Old Government House, Rayfield, Jos.

Aliyu explained that Governor Caleb Mutfwang initially presented a supplementary budget of N74.6 billion, which included N12.03 billion for recurrent expenditure and N62.5 billion for capital expenditure.

An additional N35.1 billion was later introduced, bringing the total to N109.7 billion.with N29 billion allocated for recurrent expenditure and N80.6 billion for capital expenditure.

The Appropriations Committee noted that several Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) had overspent their budget allocations, while others failed to submit quarterly reports, making performance evaluation difficult. It recommended closer collaboration between the House and MDAs to improve accountability and ensure effective budget implementation.

The committee further urged MDAs to comply with financial regulations, submit quarterly reports to the Assembly, and ensure proper budget estimates through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to prevent extra-budgetary spending.

After thorough deliberations, the House dissolved into a Committee of Supply to scrutinize the proposal. The report was later adopted at the plenary session.

Speaker Naanlong Daniel praised members for their commitment and constructive input.

He also commended the Appropriations Committee and other standing committees for their cooperation, which led to the smooth passage of the supplementary budget. (The Nation)