The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, has announced an allocation of N18 billion to support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in facilitating the elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo states.
He disclosed this while briefing State House correspondents following a Council meeting presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
“Equally N18 billion was provided for the Independent National Electoral Commission to support them in the conduct of the Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo elections”, he said.
He also said that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has given its approval for a supplementary budget of N2.1 trillion for the year 2023, marking the second such budget within the same year.
He explained that from this proposed amount, N605 billion will be allocated for national defense and security, and approximately N300 billion will be set aside for bridge maintenance.
Bagudu also disclosed that N210 billion is designated for wage awards to civil servants and N400 billion for cash transfers to assist vulnerable households.
The Minister also announced that a provision of N100 billion has been included in the budget proposals for infrastructure support in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Additionally, N800 billion has been allocated to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to facilitate the off-season governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states.
An additional N8 billion has been set aside in the supplementary budget to take off the newly established ministries, including the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, as confirmed by Bagudu.
Kanyi Daily recalls that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) said it will conduct all outstanding governorship, National, and State Assembly supplementary elections on April 15.
