The details of the proposed Delta State 2013 budget which formed part of a press briefing by Mr. Kenneth Okpara, Commissioner for Economic Planning on Thursday, January, 2013 was made available to Blank NEWS Online by the Commissioner, through his Special Assistant, Omamuyovwi Edewor.

Excerpts:

Gentlemen of the Press, and members of the Public here present, I welcome you all to this 2012 budget breakdown presentation.

You will recall that His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, on Friday, 23rd November, 2013, presented a budget of N398,317,113,836  for the 2013 fiscal year to the Delta State House of Assembly in accordance with the requirement of section 121(1) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. This budget is currently under consideration by the Delta State House of Assembly.

POLICY OBJECTIVES OF THE 2013 BUDGET

3.         The 2013 Delta State Annual Budget is geared towards improving the standard of living of Deltans through well-articulated and all round sustainable economic development programs. Government is taking calculated actions to improve our infrastructure, this is the core of its strategy to make the State one of the most attractive destinations for investors, both local and foreign, and achieve its overarching vision of “Delta Beyond Oil” and objective of job creation.

4.         In addition, the underpinning of the 2013 budget is consolidation on our three-point agenda of Peace and Security, Human Capital Development, and Infrastructural Development. This consistency and continuity in infrastructure development are deliberate measures meant to inspire confidence by His Excellency, the Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan (CON).

5.         In keeping with this administration’s goal of not abandoning any project, emphasis of the 2013 budget is on completion of on- going projects. New projects to be embarked upon must flow from need-based assessment, well thought out with their economic, social and political relevance adequately articulated, and with due consideration of the procurement process to ensure transparency and accountability.

6.         In pursuit of the above objectives, the 2013 budget proposal is well crafted to:

(i)         contain measures to ensure efficient internal revenue generation and collection;

(ii)       contain measures to minimize wastages and block leakages;

(iii)       reflect adequate provision of funds for on-going projects to ensure their speedy completion;

(iv)       ensure that pending contractual commitments are budgeted for;

REVIEW OF THE 2012 BUDGET

7.        The key question here is did the team under the leadership of His Excellency the Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, deliver on budget expectations for 2012? In order to adequately evaluate and determine the extent by which the Delta State Executive team were able to match their rhetoric with actions during 2012, the key assumptions underlying the budget projections needs to be reviewed. The determinants are the ones that are beyond the control of the State, like the statutory allocations (revenue) from the FGN, and acts of God, like the flood disaster. We are all aware that revenues from FGN was reduced greatly in 2012 due to oil price volatility and other factors, the flood disaster also brought untold hardship and consequential effect on revenues and expenditures. On the flip side, and with all sense of humility, permit me to mention some of the quick wins made by the Uduaghan led team in 2012, as part of the narratives or facts behind the performance figures that will follow.

Now, let us move to the figures. In 2012, the State Government approved the sum of N437,218,083,558 for its services. The amount is made up of N180,846,597,100  for Recurrent Expenditure and N256,371,486,458 for Capital Expenditure. The Budget was to be financed as follows:

 (A)   REVENUE

(B)       EXPENDITURE

S/NDetails

Approved               2012 Budget

%                     Appropriation

i

 Recurrent Expenditure

180,846,597,100

41.36

ii

 Capital Expenditure

256,371,486,458

58.64

 Total

437,218,083,558

100.00

YEAR 2012 REVENUE BUDGET PERFORMANCE

 (JANUARY 2012 TO SEPTEMBER 2012)

8.      The State Government, during the nine months of January to September, 2012, recorded a total revenue performance of N190,031,090,121 representing an overall performance of 57.95% over expected proportionate receipts of N327,913,562,669.  Out of this amount, the sum of N137,892,457,138 was received as Statutory Allocation from the Federation Account. The amount represents 108.15% performance of the proportionate estimate of N127,500,000.  On the other hand, the sum of N7,448,261,654 was recorded as receipts from Value Added Tax (VAT) out of the proportionate projected receipts of N7,493,429,651 representing a budget performance of 99.40%.

9.         The sum of N34,589,515,448 was recorded as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) out of the projected revenue of N38,585,287,936, representing a budget performance of 89.64%. The sum of N10,100,855,881 or 6.54% was received from other capital revenues against the proportionate budget of N154,334,845,082 during the period under review. The breakdown of the revenue receipts from individual revenue sources is provided hereunder:

10.      The above revenue receipts represent an aggregate 11.85% increase on N169,891,289,940 recorded for the corresponding period of January to September, 2011.  The area that was significantly affected is the internally generated revenue from which N24,545,129,537 was received in 2011 as against N34,589,515,448 received for the same period in 2012.  This is an increase of N10,044,385,911 representing 40.29%. There was, however a marginal decrease of 0.83% in the receipts from Statutory Allocation of N137,892,457,138  as against N139,047.644,025 received for the same period in 2011.

EXPENDITURE (JANUARY TO SEPTEMBER, 2012)

11.      As for expenditure, a total sum of N188,454,698,016 was spent during the period January – September, 2012. Out of this amount, the sum of N124,537,941,057 was spent on recurrent items as against a proportionate approved budget of N135,634,947,825 representing a budget performance of 91.82%. The breakdown is summarized below:

13.      The sum of N256,371,486,458  was budgeted for Capital Expenditure.  During the year, actual expenditure for the period, January-September, 2012 was N63,916,756,958 as a against the proportionate budget figure of N192,278,614,844 representing a budget performance of 33.24%. A breakdown of the Sectoral performance for the period is as follows:

YEAR 2013 BUDGET

14.       The sum of N398,317,113,836  has been earmarked by the State Government for its services in the 2013 fiscal year. The breakdown is as follows:

BUDGET SIZE

SOURCES OF FUND

15.      The main sources of funds for the 2013 budget are:

INTERNALLY GENERATED REVENUE  

16.       We have mapped out clear strategies to sustain our determination to improve our Internal Revenue generating efforts.  It is in this regard that we are expecting the sum of N61,440,624,172 from Internally Generated Revenue in 2013 as against the sum of N51,447,050,581 approved for the 2012 fiscal year. The IGR estimates for 2013 is higher than the 2012 approved estimates by N10,000,000,000 or 19.44%.  The breakdown of the Internally Generated Revenue sources is as follows: –

STATUTORY ALLOCATION

17.       The sum of N198,513,285,148 is expected from Statutory Allocation from the Federation Account in the 2013 fiscal year.  This amount is more than the N170,000,000,000 budgeted last year by N28,513,285,148 or 16.77%.  This increase is attributable to higher expectations from oil revenues next year.

OTHER CAPITAL RECEIPTS/MISCELLANEOUS

18.      The sum of N126,921,344,146 is proposed as Capital Receipts/Miscellaneous for 2013. This is a decrease of N78,858,449,296 or 38.32% from N205,779,793,442  approved for the 2012 budget. The decrease is a cautious approach to minimize deficit budget (which is part of the other capital receipts/miscellaneous) in 2013. Apart from deficit financing, others included in this category are: grants, counterpart funding contribution from the Federal Government, return on investments, and other incomes like SURE-P.

RECURRENT EXPENDITURES

19.      The total recurrent expenditure estimates for 2013 is N145,941,894,477 made up of personnel costs of N57,663,459,536 or 39.79% and overhead costs of N49,201,030,693 or 33.71%. The Consolidated Revenue Fund Charges has a proposed sum of N39,077,404,248 or 26.78%. On the whole, the recurrent proposal for 2013 is lower by N34,904,702,623 or 19.30% when compared with the sum of N180,846,597,100  approved for 2012. This is one of the strategies to minimize the cost of providing Government services, and devote more funding to development. The recurrent expenditure estimates is summarized hereunder:

CAPITAL EXPENDITURE ESTIMATES

20.      The proposed capital expenditure estimates for 2013 is N252,375,219,359. The proposal is N3,996,267,100 or 1.56% lower than the 2012 capital budget of N256,371,486,458. The sectoral breakdown of the capital expenditure estimates is as stated hereunder:

21.       Allocation to the various sub sectors is as follows:

22.       Highlights of the State Development Programs for the 2013 fiscal year are as follows:

Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries

23.       Agriculture employs a vast majority of our working population, it deserves no mean attention. Our desire is to remain on the path of massive food production for the increasing population and the production of industrial raw materials through the establishment of small and medium scale enterprises. Government has in recent times, paid considerable attention to this sector through increased access of our farmers to fertilizers, improved seedlings, and establishment of agro-based small and medium scale enterprises. It is the responsibility of Government to encourage and assist all Deltans to engage in farming activities in other to provide enough food for consumption, with surplus for sales and export.

24.       Agriculture is one of the major pillars identified in the development agenda of this administration, and it is the core of the Delta Beyond Oil vision. Apart from providing solution to the twin problems of hunger and malnutrition, agriculture plays a central role in addressing the national problem of unemployment and youth development through YETA Program. We are also involved in some Federal and development partner-supported agricultural projects such as Root & Tuber Expansion Program (RTEP), National Program on Food Security (NPFS), Third National Program on Fadama (FADAMA III), and Community Based Natural Resources Management Program (CBNRMP). Delta State is deeply involved in the National Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA). The State is equally participating in the Growth Enhancement Scheme (GES) for fertilizer, cassava, rice, maize, oil palm, rubber, cocoa, aquaculture and poultry.

25.       Being a major source of protein, meat supply remains a concern of this Government. Government initiated action to modernize our abattoirs in order to provide meat processed under high level hygiene condition for Deltans through the construction of new abattoirs across the State. A lot of emphasis will be on veterinary health services in the 2013 fiscal year. Efforts would also be intensified towards the production of fish as a source of protein to the citizens. The major focus of this sub sector in 2013 is to put in place measures for increased fish production in Delta State.

26.       A total sum of N6,039,580,805 or 2.39% of the proposed capital budget has been provided for these sub-sectors for the 2013 fiscal year. The highlight of the proposed spending on agriculture, livestock and fisheries programs are as follows:

Commerce, Industry and Finance

27.       In building a Delta State that will prosper beyond oil, we reckoned it was important we had the following critical infrastructures- Oghareki Power Plant, Asaba International Airport, upgrade Osubi Airport to international standards, special economic zones and industrial clusters, (Koko/Ogidigben Free Trade Zone, Warri Industrial Business Park, and Asaba ICT Park). We thought we should harness our people’s entrepreneurship skills through our Micro Credit Scheme and nurture MSMEs. Our success with Micro Credit Scheme is stunning. We have won three consecutive CBN awards and we have about 100,000 beneficiaries of the Scheme whose stories are as enthralling as they are varied. Other States are understudying the Delta State model because of its acknowledged success. It is a common knowledge that to continue a pattern of success, you concentrate on your areas of strength.

28.         We have put plans in place to establish ten (10) industries to promote Small & Medium Scale Enterprises in the State. These industries will include four fish feed mills and six cassava processing plants. These industries will be managed by private investors to make them viable and ensure efficient management. A total sum of N21,518,792,076 or 8.53% is provided for the activities of these sub sectors for the 2013 fiscal year.  The highlights of the proposed spending on these programs are as follows:

Energy

29.       In line with the sustained effort of Government to ensure the development of power supply infrastructure across the state, emphasis would be placed on the completion of ongoing power generation, transmission and distribution projects in the State during the 2013 fiscal year. These include the Delta State Independent Power Plant and construction of transmission line to dispatch power from the plant into the national grid through the Amukpe transmission substation as well as the construction/upgrading/rehabilitation of power distribution network in both urban and rural communities in the state.

30.       Following the success of generator powered streetlight in Asaba, the State capital and Warri, the commercial and industrial hub of the State, Government’s expansion of generator powered streetlights to other notable towns in the State will be given a boost in the 2013 fiscal year. The endeavour to illuminate our cities, towns and communities at night to enhance security and nightlife will be vigorously prosecuted through the deployment of both conventional and renewable energy systems. Having installed a significant number of solar powered streetlights in various locations in the State over the last 8 years, Government’s focus in the 2013 fiscal year in the Energy Sector would be to put in place a more robust program for the reactivation of broken down solar streetlights and their sustainable maintenance in the future.

31.       A total sum of N13,456,126,135 or 5.33% has been provided for Energy in the 2013 fiscal year. The major highlights of the planned expenditures for Energy are as follows:

Roads and Transportation

32.       The hub of economic enhancement and improved living standards is the availability of good infrastructural platforms like roads, bridges and jetties in order to convey goods and provides services across business territories. Government would continue to work assiduously towards attaining a sustainable, safe, adequate, efficient, reliable and fully integrated roads and waterways operations and infrastructures that will best meet the needs of Deltans. This administration appreciates the overriding need for an airport at Asaba in view of increasing economic activities in the city and environ. The development of the airport has been vigorously pursued to achieve the administration’s desire to build a category C airport. This will be an indelible milestone project in this administration’s cardinal agenda of infrastructural development. In addition to this, the expansion of the Osubi airport runway will be commenced in 2013.

33.       Ladies and gentlemen, from what this administration have been doing in Delta State, we have reason to feel proud that our infrastructure programme that has seen us construct 252 inter/intra city roads. With the dualization of major roads that include 148km Asaba-Ughelli, 33km Ugbenu-Koko, Efurun-Osubi-Eku, 7.2km Ughelli Artery, PTI/Jakpa, Old Lagos/Asaba among others, we are gradually eliminating bottlenecks in movement of goods and creating major networks grids to link all the corners of the State.

34.       This administration is committed to reducing the loss of lives on our roads by providing brand new buses for transportation. Government has distributed 2,250 tricycles to major cities in the state, purchased by the state government. The operations of okada riders had been banned in Asaba, Warri, Effurun and Udu axis.  A total sum of N62,063,064,970 or 24.59% has been proposed for roads and transport for the 2013 fiscal year.   

35.         The highlights of the proposed spending on roads and transportation programs are as follows:

Education

36.       In keeping faith with one of the tripartite agenda of this administration; Human capital development, education being the vehicle for driving the development of human capital would receive adequate attention as usual. This is because education remains the tool for the development of any society.

37.       Since education has remained the bedrock of our society and development, Government will continue to give priority to education in the State. We are investing heavily in infrastructure upgrade and modernization of our public schools for our children, teaching and non-teaching staff facilities. So far about eighteen thousand classrooms have been built, renovated or upgraded. We will still do more. With collaborative efforts and keeping to standards, the physical condition of our schools can compare with any in the world, in a few years.

38.       Through our liberal program in education, we are giving our brightest youths with first class degree, a head start in life. Our offer of scholarships, up to PhD level, tenable in any university of their choice, is a deliberate investment in the future.

39.         We are continuing with the upgrading/expansion of three secondary schools to technical colleges in the state. We won’t stop our gradual and systematic renovation/rehabilitation of classroom blocks in the state. We have successfully handed over schools to missionaries. Part of the State’s proceeds from the removal of subsidy on Petroleum product will be used to complete some on-going projects at Delsu, Abraka in 2013. The sum of N27,095,266,504 or 10.74% of the total capital budget has been proposed for the education subsector. The highlights of the proposed spending on education programs are as follows:

HEALTH

40.       Government main policy on health has remained to provide quality, effective and accessible health care service in the State. The result of our human development program has been remarkable. We are making progress in addressing maternal and child mortality rate in the state. There is a steep drop in maternal and child mortality rate in hospitals. New health care facilities are being constructed or upgraded, but of note is the progress of Oghara Teaching Hospital as a centre of excellence. With current efforts, soon, Oghara Teaching Hospital would become centre of note in Africa. I am sure with Oghara Teaching Hospital we will continue to reversing the search for healthcare treatment outside Nigeria.

41.        A lot has been achieved this year and we have outstanding record in our healthcare services especially in the free health programs in line with the three (3) point agenda. Since the first year of the free Under-Five Health Care in 2010, there has been a steady increase in awareness of the programs and consequent increase in attendance. After the first year of the free Maternal Health Care Program, we recorded a total of 143, 273 routine Antenatal clinic attendance and 18, 889 total deliveries. The year 2011 recorded 175,723 routine Antenatal attendance and 23,662 total deliveries. In 2011, a total of 24,194 patients were in the Free Rural Health Scheme in 100 communities. These free health care services are aimed at fulfilling the policy of bringing quality health care services to the grass root population through the Maternal Health Care, Under-5 Health Care and Rural Health Scheme. Other programs are Malaria Control, HIV-AIDS/Leprosy/Tuberculosis control programs, Rehabilitation, Equipping of Health facilities and institutions.

42.      The year 2013 is targeted at meeting outstanding commitments and contractual obligations for on-going/completed projects. Government will continue with the rehabilitation of dilapidated secondary health facilities and upgrade hospital equipments and facilities in the State. The 2013 budget is also taking into cognizance the completion of on-going Hospitals like the Central Hospital, Asaba and the development of health institutions (School of Nursing, Warri, Agbor, and Eku) and School of Health Technology, Ofoma, Ughelli.  The procurement of some mobile hospitals will in a long way reduce mortality rates in the rural areas of the State. The critical years of human development is the first 5 years of life, to adulthood with emphasis on pregnancy, which is why this administration is particular in the free Health Programs. More Ambulances will be procured and put at strategic places in our highways across the State to reduce accident related deaths.

43.        Health they say is wealth and a healthy State is a wealthy one. That is why our policies and programs are geared towards improving the health status of the people.  A total of N11,553,584,511 or 4.58% is proposed for the Health sub-sector in the 2013 budget. The highlights of the provisions for the Health sub-sector for the 2013 financial year are as follows:

INFORMATION

44.       The importance of information in a democratic government need not be over-emphasized. Government policy on information sector remains putting in place an effective two-way communication system. To do this, Government will focus on setting up all facets of mass communication facilities with the objective of mobilizing the people, especially at the grassroots, to enhance the people’s awareness of the political, economic and social developments in the State. In order to achieve these objectives, government decided to commence the upgrading of the media outfits owned by the state. For instance, the Delta Broadcasting Service is being equipped with modern facilities to enhance efficient service delivery.

45.       On Arts and Culture, Government will continue to ensure the propagation, promotion, presentation and preservation of Arts and Culture in the State. For us to compete favourably with other States and Nations in form and function, our cultural consciousness must be reawakened. In this regard, Government will employ a formidable reservoir of indigenous talents that will carry on the crusade for cultural renaissance within the available resources.            The sum of N3,533,026,936 or 1.40% of the total capital budget is proposed for Information and Culture sub-sector this fiscal year.

46.       The highlights of the allocation to this sub-sector are as follows:

SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT

47.  Delta State is known as the number one in sports in the Federation and has consistently maintained this position. Delta State has achieved so much in Sports Development. We have been champions at four out of the last six editions of the National Sports Festival. We have won virtually all the trophies at other games. This development has continued to be a source of pride to every Deltan. Government intends to sustain this exalted position of sporting performance exhibited by our Sports men and women, both at national and international events, and will continue to support sports development and use it as a tool for promoting and sustaining peace and security in the state.

48.  In the area of youth development, government will continue to collaborate with development agencies to positively engage the youth and provide them with basic skills that will put them in good stead for self employment and legitimate means of livelihood. The now completed Multipurpose Youth Centre, Egbokodo, will be operational in 2013. Development planning programs are being designed to attract repentant militants and school dropouts particularly in the riverine areas as an avenue for re-integration into society. The maritime sector, a highly lucrative and bedrock of the world economic system, is a major target in this regard.

49.       In furtherance of its role of enhancing the well-being of citizens, Government will continue to implement policies and programs to alleviate the challenges of the less privileged in our society. Delta State Government, since inception of current democracy has never shied away from the rights and protection of the vulnerable and less privilege in our midst. To address the issue of delinquency among our children and the problem of destitute that roam our streets, this administration will continue to provide facilities for the Children Remand Homes, Warri and Sapele.

50.       A total sum of N4,803,074,830  has been proposed for this sub-sector. This represents 1.90% of the total capital budget for 2013.  Highlights of the projects to be executed in this sector are as follows:

WATER RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT

51.       Government policy of providing regular and portable water in the State is being pursued with all seriousness. In the last few years, Government embarked on the construction of new water schemes, rehabilitation of existing schemes, pipeline extensions, purchase of spare parts, equipment and materials for the effective maintenance of the existing water schemes. Also, generators were purchased for schemes in areas where public power supply is unreliable. In spite of our efforts so far at addressing water problem in the state, we cannot in all honesty say that Deltans now enjoy uninterrupted supply of potable water at cheap and affordable rates. This has given Government reasons for deep reflections on how best to approach water supply in the State. As a stop gap, government will continue with the rehabilitation/maintenance of existing schemes which would include the strengthening of urban/rural water supply agencies, while effort will be made to develop a comprehensive master plan for water supply throughout the state.

52.       The sum of N5,756,925,200  is provided for the water sub-sector.  This represents 2.28% of the total capital budget for 2013. Some of the major projects to be executed in the sub-sector this year are as follows:

Environment

53.       The policy thrust of the Government is to make Delta State one of the cleanest States in the country and to ameliorate the increasing ecological problem of flooding and Soil erosion. The current incident of monumental flooding had awakened our consciousness not to underestimate the capacity of the flood to cause huge destruction in our environment. This force of nature has been ferocious these past weeks and months. Following from what has happened, we cannot continue to be ignorant or neglect of the environment. In 2013, Government intends to improve mechanism to educate our people more on the issue of environment and climate change. Old ways of thinking and doing things have to change. Unapproved structures that stand in natural water channels or flood prone areas will be removed. Moreso, Government is now determined to redouble its efforts in enforcing town planning laws. Government will continue to give attention to the numerous environmental problems which need urgent attention. A glossary look at the environment shows that soil erosion in some cases has resulted into deep gullies which have impacted negatively on many communities. Roads, farmlands and houses are either being destroyed or washed away. Government will give desired attention to the issue of environmental pollution and destruction accompanying oil and exploitation, problems of flooding, shore and costal erosions that are of the increase, Siltation & intrusion of weeds in the riverine areas of the State which have hinder water transportation/Fishing trading will be taken care of in 2013.Since it has impoverish our people living in the riverine area.

54.       However, in view of the devastating effect of flooding that ravaged places like Asaba, Kwale, Patani, Warri, Uvwie, Sapele and other places with widespread flooding in 2012, Government will ensure that our natural water ways is free to enable discharge of water to drains.

55.       Also, priority will be given to our existing creeks which over the years have resulted in siltation. In 2012, it was discovered that construction of illegal and unapproved structures along waterways particularly in Asaba, Warri, Sapele and Uvwie were the major causes of widespread flooding noticed in major towns last year. Thus, in 2013, Government will construct a flood/Erosion control measures in various communities spread across the 25 local government areas of the State. A total sum of N13,397,103,873 or 5.31% has been set aside for the protection of our environment in forestry and drainage subsectors. Major projects to be executed include:

HOUSING

56.       Government has remained committed to the provision of adequate housing for its people. This is a challenge faced by past administrations since the creation of Delta State in 1991. Significant successes have so far been recorded from the various housing programs that resulted in the construction of low and medium income houses throughout the state. This administration is making effort to consolidate and sustain the tempo of housing policy reforms. Housing is an economic activity with inherent multiplier effects. The critical housing needs particularly in the oil producing areas, is gradually and systematically being addressed.

57.       In 2013, Government will finalize plans for the introduction of the Social Housing Policy (SHP). The SHP would be end-users driven through the use of development agents and partnership through public private sector partnership. With the PPP, more modern gated housing estates would be delivered. Government’s plan is to provide qualitative and affordable houses to low, medium and high income earners in Delta State. We shall also embark on housing schemes for public servants on Owner-Occupier basis.

58.      The sum of N2,869,280,809  has been proposed for this sub-sector this fiscal year.  This represents 1.14% of the total capital estimates. The major areas of emphasis in the 2013 fiscal year in the Housing subsector are stated below

GENERAL ADMINISTRATION

59.       Government places high premium in the provision of conducive office accommodation with furniture and equipment fit for working comforts.  Provisions have been made for the maintenance and servicing of the furniture/ equipment and replacements would be made were necessary. Government has made remarkable efforts at reducing its presence in private owned buildings. The State Secretariat Annex has been completed and it is presently occupied by Ministries and Agencies that hitherto were in private buildings.

60.       Government’s automated financial management and reporting system has been extended to nearly all her Ministries/Departments /Agencies (MDAs) with the roll-out of SAP Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software to them. Consequently, most MDAs currently process their business transaction on-line and in real-time. In 2013, the system will be upgraded and other module activated.

61.       The State’s Justice System has the capacity to expand the frontiers of the legal profession particularly in the areas of advocacy, promotion of criminal justice and conflict resolution through mediation. The Library of the Ministry of Justice in the Headquarters and the Zonal Offices will be equipped with the relevant and latest law books, periodicals etc. Government will vigorously pursue the implementation of the Review of Delta State Laws’ project started in 2000. Also, government will continue with the implementation of the Annotation of Delta State Laws. This will make access of the Laws of the State easier to all users of the laws, facilitating research and ability to ascertain correct data on State Laws for the purpose of efficient application and administration in a user-friendly and modern environment.

62.       Delta state government will not relent in its commitment to the security of lives and property of Deltans as this is a basic requirement for ensuring the continuing growth and development of the state and well-being of its citizens. In the past one year, Government has given out not less than 150 security vehicles which have been distributed to different security agencies in the state.

63.       The sum of N38,078,623,267 or 15.09% of the approved capital budget has been proposed for the General Administration capital expenditure this year.     Highlights of key projects in this sector are as follows:

SPECIAL INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

64.       One of the strategies His Excellency, the Governor, have employed to fast track infrastructural development in the State was the creation of a Directorate for Special Infrastructure. The purpose is to implement and complete some designated special projects within the shortest possible time by eliminating avoidable bureaucratic bottle necks in the process of project execution. Gentlemen of press, and members of the public, this strategy is yielding results. Most of the projects awarded are at various stages of completion. Some of these special projects are being financed with the Delta State Development Bond. A total of 50 primary and secondary schools have been renovated.  In addition, while 10 model primary schools are currently being equipped, the remodeling/rehabilitation and equipping of the Baptist Hospital in Eku is ongoing. We are also constructing four new polytechnics at Sapele, Bomadi, Aboh and Abigborodo. There are other projects which are at various levels of completion. Some of the projects under Special Infrastructure have been highlighted in subsectors and programs mentioned above.

Subsidy Reinvestment Program (SURE-P)

65.       In continuation of the ongoing SURE-P activities, we will utilize the proceeds to create about 10,000 jobs for youths. These will be in the area of traffic controls, environmental monitoring, and security. We will also deploy part of the funds for road maintenance, transportation, education, agriculture, and micro credit. The sum N500,000,000 is set aside for this program.

DESOPADEC

66.       In accordance with the law setting up the Commission, the sum of N36.5b has been set aside, representing 50% of projected derivation revenue receipts from oil accruable to Delta State for the development of oil producing communities. Government will continue to monitor the activities of the Commission to ensure that the funds disbursed to it are appropriately utilized and accounted for. Government will continue to support the Commission to improve its administrative capacity to deliver on its mandate.

IMPLEMETATION STRATEGIES

67        In keeping faith with this administration’s avowed commitment to meeting the challenge of providing good governance, the following strategies will be adopted:

i.          Articulation of improved spending and procurement guidelines to enhance the attainment of economic development and growth objectives in the budget.  Government will use its spending power to positively impact on local value added by patronizing domestic production.  This would further boost the activities of our Youth Skill Acquisition Centres and on our educational system. By linking Government spending and procurements to local production, we can achieve an integrated economy and realize our growth objectives;

ii.         Deliberate efforts will be made to expand the economy by giving special support to programs directed towards tackling investment in industrial production.  This is because, in addition to creating jobs, they bring more people into the formal economy as taxpayers which further boost government capacity for development;

1. Ensure the new rates of Government services are implemented and that the State Board of Internal Revenue is backed to perform its responsibilities creditably and in accordance with the Revenue Act, to meet the funding requirements of the State for development;
2. Continue to monitor on-going projects through the instrumentality of the various monitoring organs in place, to ensure that projects are faithfully executed by contractors in strict compliance with project designs and specifications to ensure appropriate value for money;
3. Application of stricter control over expenditure and fiscal discipline at all levels of governance by strengthening and supporting the Ministry of Economic Planning to continue to monitor compliance and scrupulous adherence to Due Process by Ministries/Departments/Agencies in procurement processes and listing of certified jobs for payment; and
4.  Severe sanction for any public official whose conduct results in the State being short-changed in its investments in projects.

Conclusion

68.       Finally, as I bring this presentation to a close, let me speak about something unique that Deltans have long been known for, it is likened by some to an “elixir” (cure-all), it contributed greatly to China’s emergence as the second largest economy in the world today, it contributed greatly to Singapore’s movement from a third world to a first world country, it is the “can do” spirit. This is referred to in Cambridge University as the “collective intelligence”, but I defer to my Leader, His Excellency, the Governor of Delta State, Dr. Emmanuel Eweta Uduaghan, who not only calls it the “Finger of God”, but has brought a resurgence of this “can do” spirit in the State. This leadership-led mindset is the reason the State came first by wide margin in the recently concluded national sports festival, it is the reason behind the roads, educational and health infrastructures and facilities, keke Uduaghan (tricycles), and I will not fail to mention the Egbokodo multi-purpose youth center, anchored by my ministry, Economic Planning, and others completed or about to be completed.

It is my hope, and I believe the hopes of all Deltans, that this momentum will continue in 2013 and beyond, so as to bring Delta State to its rightful place.

Thank you for listening and God Bless you all.

Mr. Kenneth Okpara

Honourable Commissioner,

Ministry of Economic Planning

3^rd January, 2013