The Permanent Secretary of the State House of Assembly, Mr. Olufunso Adebiyi, on Tuesday disclosed that the State House of Assembly is on track to achieve complete digitization of its operations by November 2024.
Mr. Adebiyi disclosed this during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Select Committee on Data Centers near the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
He said the completion of the computerization and digitization process will enhance the efficiency, security and seamless operation of the state legislature’s critical administrative functions.
This visit was conducted under the direction of the Chairman of the House Committee on Special Tasks. Kabir Thukla was part of the statutory oversight of members of the Legislature to assess the performance of the state Legislature’s 2023 and 2024 budgets.
Mr. Adebiyi also briefed the members of the parliament on the ongoing renovation work at Dodan Barracks in Lagos, the seat of the former government, assuring them that the renovation work is scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.
He invited the members of parliament for an on-site assessment of the barracks, with funding for the project and other funds for the Lagos Liaison Office coming from the 2023 supplementary budget and 2024 budget, respectively.
In his presentation on budget execution for the 2023/2024 fiscal year, the Permanent Secretary highlighted that the Legislature achieved an impressive 43% execution rate for capital projects and 99% execution rate for miscellaneous expenses in 2024.
He explained that the total overhead costs of the State House for 2024 amounted to N22.62 billion, spread across seven cost centres.
These include the State House Headquarters, the Chairman of the State House Management Committee, the Vice President for State House Management, the Office of the Chief of Staff, the Office of the Presidential Chief Security Officer, the State House Medical Center and the Lagos Liaison Office.
According to him, “Of this appropriation, a total of N15.08 billion has been paid to us as of August 31, 2024. 14.9 billion naira was disbursed and the outstanding balance is 14.5 million naira, which represents a promising performance of 99%.”
Regarding capital expenditure, Mr. Adebiyi said that in 2024, NOK 51.3 billion was allocated, of which NOK 22 billion was disbursed, leaving a balance of NOK 29.3 billion, corresponding to 43% implementation.The Permanent Secretary commended committee members for approving increased appropriations to the Legislature in 2024 appropriations, given the significant demands from various cost centers during a particularly difficult fiscal year.
“This will improve the performance of key departments of government, especially with regard to staff welfare and various capital projects such as the renovation of Aguda House, the presidential residence, and the computerization and digitization of public facilities. “Construction of the state capitol, office complex, replacement of operational vehicles, etc.,” he said.
The Chief Accountant of the State Assembly also announced the results of the 2023 budget and supplementary budget.
He disclosed that N153,399,583.63 was approved as personnel expenses for 2023, of which N1,653,350,049.98 was disbursed, leaving the balance at N439,433.66.
For miscellaneous expenses in 2023, 8.29 billion naira was allocated and 8.27 billion naira was disbursed, leaving an outstanding balance of 14.5 million naira, resulting in a budget execution rate of 99.82 percent.
Regarding the total capital expenditure in 2023, the Permanent Secretary said NOK 11.2 billion was approved and NOK 10.9 billion was disbursed, representing an overall performance of 98%.
In his remarks, Hon. Tsukula expressed satisfaction with the ongoing digital transformation and praised the State Legislature’s budgetary discipline and efforts to modernize government services.
“The 2024 budget is still in progress and so far I would say it’s looking very good,” he said. The release was created and used by almost 98%, which is very commendable. There are no gaps.
“The 2023 budget has been completed. We have heard questions from members and responses from the Permanent Secretary. We are confident they are doing a good job.”
Digi Hermoe
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