Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike on Tuesday presented the 2023 appropriation bill of N550.6 billion, to the Rivers State House of Assembly for consideration.
Out of the figure, the sum of ₦350.9 billion which is 63% of the budget is for Capital Expenditure for the fiscal year 2023.
Under capital expenditure, the State will spend N114.2 billion on infrastructure, N36.9 billion on education and N31.5 billion on health.
Also, the sum of N114.2 billion is provided in the 2023 capital budget estimate to fund the completion of all ongoing roads and other physical infrastructural projects awarded by the Rivers state Government.
Speaking on this, Governor Wike said that while no new projects may be awarded, except where such is considered very significant, the administration shall galvanise efforts and resources to complete all ongoing projects so that the new government can start on a clean slate.
The sum of N175.2 billion which is 31% of the budget is for Recurrent Expenditure
Under the Recurrent Expenditure, the State will expend N73.4 billion on salaries (Ministries/Departments/Parastatals), N7.3 billion on new recruitment, N33.6 billion on monthly pensions as well as N12 billion on gratuities/death benefits.
The Governor also revealed that the sum of N5 billion has been proposed under Special Projects to introduce and fund a free feeding programme for pupils in State primary schools to increase and sustain enrolments and reduce poverty.
He said the State has further provided N4 billion under Special Projects to fund free medical care for nursing mothers and children for the fiscal year 2023.