The Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Atiku Bagudu, has said an allocation of N18 billion is earmarked to assist the Independent National Electoral Commission in facilitating the Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo elections.
He disclosed this during a press briefing held at the Council Chamber in the Presidential Villa, Abuja, following a meeting chaired by Bola Tinubu.
“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 noted that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) has approved a supplementary budget of N2.1 trillion for the year 2023, marking the second such budget this year.
He elaborated that out of the total proposed allocation, N605 billion is allocated for national defense and security, while approximately N300 billion will be directed towards bridge maintenance.
Bagudu also revealed that N210 billion is earmarked for wage awards to civil servants, and N400 billion is allocated for cash transfers to support vulnerable households.
The Minister further said that the budget proposal includes N100 billion for infrastructure support in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and an additional N800 billion designated for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to conduct off-season governorship elections in Bayelsa, Imo, and Kogi states.
Also, a provision of N8 billion is included in the supplementary budget to facilitate the establishment of newly created ministries, such as the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, as stated by Bagudu.