Imoke Presents N151bn Budget Of Commitment

Governor of Cross River State, Southsouth Nigeria, Senator Liyel Imoke, on Tuesday presented a budget of N151.3 billion as the 2013 Appropriation Bill to the state House of Assembly for approval.

Presenting the budget on the floor of the House, Imoke declared that the state was passing through very difficult times, but determination and commitment would ensure that the people of the state continue to enjoy democracy dividends.

Imoke, who allocated 65 per cent of the budget to infrastructure development, said this is to ensure that all ongoing projects are energetically pursued in 2013.

“We are setting aside the sum of N23.5 billion to service projects like roads, bridges and public transportation.”

The governor said it is expected that several roads would be completed and commissioned in 2013. These include Margaret Ekpo Airport by-pass, the Nyaghasang roads, urban renewal projects in Calabar, Ugep, Ekori, Obubra, Ikom, Ogoja, Bekwarra and Obudu shall be carried to logical conclusion early in 2014.

“We shall continue the construction of Boki network of roads, Okundi-Agbotai-Nsofang-Mkpot Road, Channel 2 underground drainage in Calabar and complete six erosion control sites across the state. The Road Maintenance Agency is expected to expand its activities beyond Calabar in the execution of its mandate.”

On electrification, Imoke said in 2013, 36 electrification projects have been earmarked for execution. Also rehabilitation of 50 sub-stations, including the construction of new relief substations and rehabilitation of 150km of failed networks across the state, and allocated the sum of N5.7 billion to this sub-sector.

On agriculture, Imoke said “the state shall continue its partnership with the Federal government to boost the production of maize, rice, cocoa and cassava which we know our state has a comparative advantage to produce.
“We recognise that our farmers need timely access to affordable credit to enable them increase their productivity. This affordable credit is critical, especially after such a devastating flood disaster that has ravaged farmlands across the state.”

He said the government shall commence the disbursement of N2 billion under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Commercial Agricultural Credit Scheme (CACS) to farmers and food processors in the state as it recognised the importance of strengthening agricultural support system.

“We have re-organised the Cross River Agricultural and Rural Empowerment Scheme (CARES) which is now under the supervision of a government appointed board charged with administering the affairs of the scheme.

The new CARES will be responsible for forming, organising and managing the out-growers and small holders’ schemes for the big commercial farms in the state.”
He said the Integrated World Class Centre for Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship being developed at Abi in partnership with Songhai Regional Centre in Port Novo, Benin Republic is expected to be completed.
The Centre, the governor declared will contribute to the state’s efforts at transforming the agricultural sector by gainfully engaging the youth population and consequently help in the reduction of rural poverty.

“To accomplish our lofty yet achievable plans for the agricultural sub-sector, the sum of N2.9 billion is provided in the 2013 fiscal year.”
Government, he said shall put in place a community-led forest protection and conservation mechanism in 2013.

“We are, therefore, proposing the sum of N2.2 billion to address all issues relating to forestry, biodiversity and environment in 2013.”
On tourism, Imoke said that the state’s reputation as the premier destination for business and leisure in Nigeria has become fully established, adding, “we are beginning to attract attention beyond the shores of Nigeria and therefore, must improve facilities to cope with this rising profile of Cross River State as a tourist destination.”

Governor Imoke said to complement the existing tourism offering and keep up the tempo of development, the sum of N1.2 billion has been earmarked for the sector.

By Emma Una/Calabar