Bayelsa Gov., Dickson signs N243.2bn 2017 Appropriation Bill into law.

GOVERNOR Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa State has signed the 2017 Appropriation Bill of N243.2 billion and the Educational Development Trust Fund Amendment Bill into law.

The governor disclosed that N111 billion was appropriated for capital projects alone just as he charged the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAS) to ensure strict implementation of the budget and fast track the processes of award of contracts.

Dickson declared that his administration was committed to completing most of the ongoing projects this year, while explaining that recurrent expenditures such as salaries, pensions, gratuities and overhead would gulp N132.2billion and assured the people that, the government would comply strictly with the provisions of the budget.

He commended the workers for their understanding and patience and promised to work out modalities on the payment of the backlog of salary arrears.

On the Educational Development Trust Fund, Governor Dickson hinted that certain aspects of the law needed to be amended to include the elevation of the qualification of the Secretary of the Board to the level of a Director in the public service.

While presenting the bills, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Benson Konbowei, said the N243.2 billion, total personnel ex-penditure, including gratuities and pensions was N52.5 billion.