State House spent N22bn on overhead

The State House management on Tuesday disclosed that its overhead expenditure amounted to N22.62bn, spread across seven cost centres.

These include the State House Headquarters, State House Operations (President), State House Operations (Vice President), Office of the Chief of Staff, Office of the Chief Security Officer to the President, State House Medical Centre, and Lagos Liaison Office.

The Permanent Secretary of the State House, Olufunso Adebiyi, revealed this during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Special Duties to the data centre located in the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The State House Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr Abiodun Oladunjoye, announced this in a statement issued on Tuesday titled ‘State House to Achieve Full Digitisation by November 2024, Says Permanent Secretary, as Reps Tour Data Centre.’

During his presentation on the 2023/2024 budget implementation, the Permanent Secretary highlighted that the State House had achieved 43 per cent implementation of capital projects for 2024 and an impressive 99 per cent implementation in overhead expenditure.

“Out of this appropriated amount, so far, as of 31 August 2024, a total sum of N15.08bn has been released to us; and of the said released amount, a total of N14.9bn has so far been expended during the fiscal year, leaving an outstanding balance of N14.5bn. This represents an encouraging performance of 99 per cent,” he said.

On capital expenditure, Adebiyi noted that N51.3bn was appropriated for 2024, with N22bn spent, leaving a balance of N29.3bn, representing 43 per cent implementation.

The Permanent Secretary commended the Committee members for approving an increased budget allocation to the State House in the 2024 appropriation, particularly given the considerable demand from various cost centres during the challenging fiscal year.

“This has gone a long way in enhancing our performance as an important arm of government, especially with regards to the welfare of staff and various capital projects, such as the renovation of the residential quarters of the President, Aguda House, computerisation and digitalisation of the State House, construction of an office complex, replacement of operational vehicles, and others,” he said.

The chief accounting officer further presented the 2023 budget and supplementary budget performances.
He disclosed that N1.65bn was approved for personnel costs in 2023, of which N1.65bn was spent, leaving a balance of N439,433.66.

For overhead expenditure in 2023, N8.29bn was appropriated, and N8.27bn was expended, leaving an outstanding balance of N14.5m, marking a 99.82 per cent budget implementation.

Regarding total capital expenditure for 2023, the Permanent Secretary said N11.2bn was approved, with N10.9bn spent, representing an overall performance of 98 per cent.
Adebiyi also mentioned that the State House is set to achieve full digitisation of its operations by November 2024.

According to him, the completion of the computerisation and digitisation process would enhance efficiency, security, and the seamless operation of critical administrative functions at the State House.

The visit, led by the Chairman of the House Committee on Special Duties, Hon. Kabir Tukura, was part of the legislators’ statutory oversight to assess the performance of the 2023 and 2024 budgets of the State House.

Adebiyi also briefed the lawmakers on the ongoing renovations at Dodan Barracks, Lagos, the former seat of government.

He noted that the renovations are expected to be completed before the end of the year.

Adebiyi invited the legislators for an on-the-spot assessment of the barracks, with funds for the project and others at the Lagos Liaison Office sourced from the 2023 supplementary budget and the 2024 budget respectively.

In his remarks, Tukura expressed satisfaction with the ongoing digital transformation and commended the State House for its commitment to budgetary discipline and modernising government services.

“The 2024 budget is still ongoing, and I would say, so far, so good. The releases have been made and utilised by almost 98 per cent, and that is quite commendable.

“There are no gaps. The 2023 budget has been completed. Members have asked questions, and we have heard the responses from the Permanent Secretary. We are convinced they are doing well,” he said.