By love-89.com The State House is set to fully digitalize its operations by November 2024, according to Mr. Olufunso Adebiyi, the Permanent Secretary. This announcement was made during a recent oversight visit by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Special Duties to the data center near the presidential villa in Abuja.
“Adequate computerization and digitalization will significantly enhance the efficiency, security, and overall functionality of critical administrative tasks at the State House,” Adebiyi explained. The visit, led by Committee Chairman Hon. Kabir Tukura, was part of the legislators’ routine evaluation of both the 2023 and 2024 budgets for the State House.
Adebiyi also provided updates regarding ongoing renovations at Dodan Barracks in Lagos, the former government seat. He reassured lawmakers that the project is anticipated to be completed before the year’s end and invited the legislators to conduct an onsite inspection. He emphasized that the funding for this and other projects comes from the 2023 supplementary budget and the 2024 budget.
While discussing the budget implementation for 2023 and 2024, Adebiyi reported a successful initiation of 43% of the capital projects planned for 2024, alongside an impressive 99% of overhead expenditures. “For 2024, we have a total overhead expenditure allocation of N22.62 billion across seven cost centers, including the State House Headquarters, operations for both the President and Vice President, the Office of the Chief of Staff, the Chief Security Officer’s Office, the State House Medical Centre, and the Lagos Liaison Office,” he elaborated.
He added, “As of August 31, 2024, we have received N15.08 billion of that appropriation, and of that amount, N14.9 billion has been utilized, leaving a minimal outstanding balance of N14.5 million—equating to a remarkable 99% performance.”
When discussing capital expenditures, Adebiyi noted that N51.3 billion had been allocated for 2024, with N22 billion already spent. This leaves a balance of N29.3 billion and a 43% implementation rate. He praised the Committee for approving an increased budget allocation for the State House in 2024, highlighting the significant demands from various cost centers amidst a challenging fiscal climate.
“This increase has greatly contributed to our effectiveness as a vital arm of government, particularly concerning staff welfare and essential capital projects,” he remarked. He referenced notable projects such as the renovation of the President’s residential quarters, ongoing computerization and digitalization efforts, new office constructions, and the replacement of operational vehicles.
Additionally, Adebiyi reviewed the performance of the 2023 budget along with its supplementary budget, stating that N1,653,399,583.63 was allocated for personnel costs in that year, with nearly the entire amount, N1,653,350,049.98, spent, resulting in a small balance of N439,433.66. For overhead expenditures in 2023, N8.29 billion was appropriated, of which N8.27 billion was expended, yielding a 99.82% implementation rate.
In total capital expenditures for 2023, Adebiyi indicated that N11.2 billion was approved and N10.9 billion was utilized, achieving an impressive 98% overall performance.
Committee Chairman Tukura expressed satisfaction with the progress made in digital transformation and commended the State House for its adherence to budget discipline and modernization efforts. “The 2024 budget is underway, and to date, the releases have been effectively utilized, nearing 98%, which is commendable. There are no identified gaps,” Tukura affirmed. He concluded by expressing confidence in the State House’s ongoing efforts following their review of the 2023 budget.