The Permanent Secretary of the State House, Mr. Olufunso Adebiyi, announced on Tuesday that the State House will be fully digitalised its operations by November 2024.
This update came during an oversight visit by the House of Representatives’ Committee on Special Duties to the data center located near the presidential villa in Abuja.
Adebiyi emphasized that completing the digitalization process will enhance efficiency, security, and the seamless operation of critical administrative functions within the State House.
The visit was led by Hon. Kabir Tukura, the Chairman of the House Committee on Special Duties, and was part of the legislators’ statutory oversight to evaluate the performance of the 2023 and 2024 budgets for the State House.
In addition, Adebiyi briefed the lawmakers on ongoing renovations at Dodan Barracks in Lagos, the former seat of government, assuring them that the project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
He invited the legislators to conduct an on-site assessment of the barracks, noting that funding for the project, as well as others at the Lagos Liaison Office, was sourced from the 2023 supplementary budget and the 2024 budget.
During his presentation on budget implementation for 2023 and 2024, Adebiyi reported that the State House had achieved a 43 percent implementation rate on capital projects for 2024, with an impressive 99 percent execution in overhead expenditure.
He explained that the total overhead expenditure for 2024 amounted to N22.62 billion, distributed across seven cost centers, including the State House Headquarters, the President’s and Vice President’s operations, and the State House Medical Centre.
“As of August 31, 2024, we have received N15.08 billion of the appropriated amount, and N14.9 billion has already been spent, leaving an outstanding balance of N14.5 million,” Adebiyi stated, reflecting a strong performance of 99 percent.
On capital expenditure, Adebiyi noted that N51.3 billion had been allocated for 2024, with N22 billion already spent, leaving a balance of N29.3 billion and representing 43 percent implementation.
He commended the Committee members for approving an increased budget allocation for the State House in the 2024 appropriation, highlighting the significant demands from various cost centers in a challenging fiscal environment.
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“This support has greatly enhanced our performance, especially regarding staff welfare and important capital projects, such as the renovation of Aguda House, the State House digitalization, and the replacement of operational vehicles,” he said.
Adebiyi also presented the performance of the 2023 budget and supplementary budget, revealing that N1,653,399,583.63 was approved for personnel costs, with N1,653,350,049.98 spent, leaving a balance of N439,433.66. For overhead expenditure in 2023, N8.29 billion was appropriated, of which N8.27 billion was expended, resulting in an outstanding balance of N14.5 million—marking a budget implementation rate of 99.82 percent.
Regarding capital expenditure for 2023, Adebiyi stated that N11.2 billion was approved, with N10.9 billion spent, achieving an overall performance rate of 98 percent.
In response, Hon. Tukura expressed satisfaction with the ongoing digital transformation and praised the State House for its commitment to budget discipline and modernizing government services.
“So far, the 2024 budget is on track, with nearly 98 percent of releases utilized, which is commendable. There are no gaps,” he noted. He added, “The 2023 budget has been completed, and we are convinced that the State House is performing well.”
