By Osaiyekemwen Confidence
In a swift and decisive move, the Edo State House of Assembly has passed the 2024 Supplementary Appropriation Bill, addressing the pressing economic demands within the state. This legislative action follows the submission of the bill by Governor Godwin Nogheghase, who recently announced a new minimum wage of seventy thousand naira (N70,000.00) on May 1, 2024. The wage increase necessitated adjustments to the 2023/2024 budget to accommodate the financial gap.
Speaker Rt. Hon. Agbebaku underscored the urgency of passing the bill, aligning with the governor’s objective to meet the economic needs of the state and ensure a strong finish to the fiscal year. Support for the bill was robust among Assembly members, with Majority Leader Hon. Iguodala Aiguobaruekhian, Deputy Speaker Hon. Maria Edekor, Hon. Sunday Eigberemonlen, Hon. Sunny Ojiezele, and Hon. Erick Okaka all advocating for its passage in light of current inflation and increased living costs.
The supplementary appropriation bill encompasses Edo State’s total expenditure, with a recurrent expenditure of 182.4 billion naira and capital expenditure exceeding 226.7 billion naira, culminating in a total supplementary bill of over 409.2 billion naira.
The Assembly lauded Governor Nogheghase for his responsiveness to the economic challenges faced by the populace and acknowledged his administration’s achievements to date.
In tandem with the budgetary approval, the House also enacted legislation to extend the retirement age for teachers, shifting from 35 to 40 years of service and from 60 to 65 years of age. The Speaker directed Clerk Alhaji Yahaya Audu Omogbai to transmit the finalized bills to the governor for his assent.
Additionally, during the plenary session, a bill was introduced to designate “Beautiful Edo, Glorious Edo” as the official state anthem, aimed at fostering unity, cultural pride, and a strong sense of identity among Edo State residents.
In a gesture of academic engagement, the House welcomed law students from Benson Idahosa University, underscoring its commitment to educational collaboration and mentorship.
The session concluded with an adjournment until June 10, 2024, at 10:00 AM.
