AKS Budget To Pursue Higher Standards of Living -Finance Commissioner

The 2013 Akwa Ibom State budget has been described as being on course to consolidate on the gains of Governor Godswill Obot Akpabio’s administration.

The statement was made last week by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Bassey Albert Akpan at the 2013 budget breakdown presentation to the media and other stakeholders at Le Merridien Hotel and Golf Resort, Uyo.

He said the budget which was signed in law on January 14, 2013 by Governor Akpabio will ensure a higher standard of living, employment creation for the people of the state and the completion of all on-going projects.

Bassey Albert Akpan, Finance Commissioner

He stated that Governor Godswill Akpabio has demonstrated a strong commitment towards a greater Akwa Ibom State and that the administration had never gone above the approved budget as passed by the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly.

He commended the state Legislature for the understanding with the executive on the budget implementation. 

Mr. Bassey Akpan stated that the present administration has completed all on-going projects except the Ibom Science Park due to some legal issues.

He said that road projects in Eket Local Government would be fully completed and employment generated in the state.

He said the budget outlay was N469bn, with N23bn earmarked to empower Akwa Ibomites on investment;  N20 billion for the Tropicana completion; N50 for Olympic size Stadium etc.

The Akwa Ibom State Finance Commissioner stated that the policy of the 2013 budget would be to develop sectoral linkages in the developmental process which include health, housing, education and other key sectors. 

Some of the implementation strategies include building a strong fiscal regime through expansion of the revenue base of the state and elimination of wastages and leakages.

 Other implementation strategies, according to him include building a strong security network around the state to encourage investors, and efficient public service, promoting entrepreneurship and affordable housing for the people of the state.