Mr Olufunso Adebiyi, the Permanent Secretary, State House, says the seat of government is set to achieve full digitalisation of its operations by November.
He said this during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Special Duties to a data centre located within the vicinity of the presidential villa, Abuja, on Tuesday.
Adebiyi said the completion of the computerisation and digitalisation process would enhance efficiency, security, and seamless operation of critical administrative functions at State House.
The committee was led by its Chairman, Mr Kabir Tukura.
The visit was part the of legislators’ statutory oversight to assess the performance of the 2023 and 2024 budgets of the State House.
The permanent secretary also briefed the lawmakers on ongoing renovations at Dodan Barracks, Lagos, the former seat of government.
He noted that the renovations were expected to be completed before the end of the year.
He 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 2024 Budget, respectively.
During his presentation on the 2023/2024 budget implementation, Adebiyi highlighted that the State House had achieved 43 per cent implementation on capital projects for 2024 and 99 per cent implementation in overhead expenditure.
He explained that in 2024, the total overhead expenditure of the State House amounted to N22.62 billion, spread across seven cost centres.
He listed the centres as 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.
”Out of this appropriated amount so far, as at Aug. 31, the total sum of N15.08 billion has been released to us.
“Of the released amount, a total of N14.9 billlion has so far been expended during the fiscal year, leaving an outstanding balance of N14.5 million.
“This represents an encouraging performance of 99 per cent,” he said.
On capital expenditure, Adebiyi noted that N51.3 billion was appropriated for 2024, with N22 billion spent, leaving a balance of N29.3 billion, representing 43 per cent implementation.
He commended the committee members for approving an increased budget to State House in the 2024 appropriation, particularly given the considerable demand from various cost centres during the fiscal year.
”This has gone a long way in enhancing our performance as an important arm of government, especially with regard to the welfare of staff and various capital projects,” he said.
According to him, the projects include renovation of the residential quarters of the President, Aguda House, computerisation and digitalisation of State House, construction of office complex and replacement of operation vehicles.
The chief accounting officer further presented the performances of the 2023 budget and supplementary budget.
He stated that N1, 653,399,583.63 was approved for personnel costs in 2023, of which 1,653,350,049.98 was spent, leaving a balance of N439, 433.66.
For overhead expenditure in 2023, N8.29 was appropriated, N8.27 billion expended, leaving an outstanding balance of N14.5 million, marking a 99.82 per cent budget implementation.
On the total capital expenditure for the year 2023, he said N11.2 billion was approved, with N10.9 billion spent, representing overall performance of 98 per cent.
Tukura expressed satisfaction with the 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 will 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. (NAN)
