Governor Adamu has signed the Nasarawa state 2004 appropriation bill that gives details of financial expenditures for the year. Performing the signing ceremony at Government House, Governor Adamu commended the Nasarawa state House of Assembly for passing the bill in record time.

Governor Adamu who christened the law a “Budget of Sustained Development” said the bill he was signing made provision for an expenditure of N20.845 billion which is an increase of about N300 million over the proposal sent to the parliament. He explained that the bill would increase the tempo of economic activities in the state in the near future.

The budget, according to the Governor will achieve the following objectives:

Sustain the momentum of development
Build a more disciplined, virile and productive civil service
Accelerate the development of the rural areas; and
Stimulate increased food production

Explaining the rationale for the introduction of the poll tax in the state, Governor said the immediate option of government to shore up the revenue base is to put in place a new development paradigm for the state. Our vision is one in which every citizen of the state becomes a real stakeholder in the corporate project called Nasarawa state. In the New Year therefore, we have decided to introduce the payment of poll tax for all adults in the state. We are not unaware of the fact that proceeds from this form of taxation will not overtly and immediately increase the revenue base of government. We are however beginning a long-term process that in our understanding, will ensure sustained development for the state. We no longer feel that our development projects should only be tied to the strength of the public treasury or the largesse of a government in power. We believe that the people of Nasarawa state can conceptualize and implement their vision for development without waiting for allocations from the federal treasury. This is the real reason for the introduction of the poll tax.

Speaking earlier, the Speaker of the Nasarawa parliament, Hon Mohammed Onawo, said the House looked at the bill with honesty and a sense of duty to the people of Nasarawa state. He said the 2003 budget was found to have performed at 71% and the House was therefore encouraged to quickly pass the 2004 budget to enable the government continue with its developmental projects. He noted that the House found it necessary to increase allocations to the Government House Administration, House of Assembly and the Scholarship Board.

The Deputy Governor and top political and civil leaders in the state attended the ceremony