Mrs Chiamaka Nnake, the Anambra State’s Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, has described as commendable the performance of the Anambra economy in the outgoing year despite the state facing macroeconomic challenges.
Nnake, in a recent interview in Awka, revealed that the 2023 budget had achieved an implementation rate of up to 70 per cent.
She identified setbacks affecting the optimal implementation of the budget, including the failure to meet the 2023 target for Internally Generated Revenue and the naira’s lack of competitiveness against the dollar.
“The 2023 budget anticipated a monthly Internally Generated Revenue of N4 billion, but we have only managed an average of N2 billion per month, indicating a significant deficit.
“We also encountered challenges due to the devaluation of the Naira, impacting purchasing power. Anambra is not immune to Nigeria’s economic situation.
“However, we attained a 66 per cent implementation rate in 2022 and are on track to reach 70 per cent by the close of this year,” she remarked.
Nnake described the state’s economy in 2023 as ‘highly eventful’ with numerous activities across various sectors. She commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for his administrative competence.
The Commissioner noted the government’s focus on critical infrastructure, citing the commencement of over 400 road projects across the state, with several already completed and others ongoing.
In the agricultural sector, she disclosed that the distribution of more than one million palm and coconut seedlings aimed to create economically independent households in the coming years, once the trees bear fruit.
Nnake revealed plans for the recruitment of an additional 3,000 teachers into public primary and secondary schools next year, supplementing the 5,000 recruited in 2023.
She noted improvements in the Ease of Doing Business through enhanced road networks and a productive partnership with EEDC, ensuring about 20 hours of daily power supply in some parts of the state.
The Commissioner also highlighted the ongoing Awka Fun City project, an entertainment hub aimed at providing relaxation opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
Nnake stressed the viability of the Anambra economy, citing support from numerous development partners such as the United Nations Development Programme, World Health Organisation, Food and Agricultural Organisation, UNICEF, Save the Children, International Organisation for Migration, and the International Labour Organisation.
“These organisations have reaffirmed their commitment to collaborating with us in 2024, inspired by the positive outcomes they have witnessed. We anticipate more partnerships next year.
“Anambra is safe, evident in increased traffic, indicating the return of our people. This progress is a testament to the governor’s efforts in enhancing security and maintaining law and order.
“While we are not yet where we aim to be, the governor’s objective is to establish a state entirely free of crime and violence,” she concluded. (NAN)
