Government Budgets N5.5 Billion for Sports in 2014.

The Federal Government has proposed to spend N5.546 billion on the nation’s sport sector in the year 2014.

In the proposal brought before members of the National Assembly by the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, N4.117 billion is for total recurrent while N1.428 billion would be spent on total capital.

In the proposal laid before the National Assembly by Okonjo-Iweala on behalf of President Goodluck Jonathan, this is apart from the N800 million set aside for the rehabilitation/repairs of sporting facilities and another N628.099 million earmarked for the construction/provision of sporting facilities.

Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister for Finance.
Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Minister for Finance.

If the National Assembly passes the Appropriation Bill into law, the commission will also spend N1.43 billion on six new projects, including the maintenance of six federal stadia.

Details of the Appropriation Bill reveal that the president wants the legislature to approve N700 million for the maintenance of six federal stadia, N100 million for the completion of grand-stands with fenced natural football pitches in all the six geo-political zones, N128.099 million for the completion of mini sports centres in all the six geo-political zones, N200 million for the provision of sports equipment, N200 million for the construction of indoor sports complex and basketball court at Akpegede, Otukpo and N100 million for the maintenance of high performance centre.

Further details of the budget proposal indicate that the commission will spend N37.845 million on office stationeries/computer consumables, N159.549 million on the maintenance of office/IT equipment, N22 million on consulting and professional services, N21.605 million on fuel and lubricants, N10.400 million on publicity and advertisements, N6.581 million on refreshment and meals, N4.953 million on postages and courier services, N2.156 million on subscription to professional bodies.

Other proposals for the commission include N100.612 million on travels and transport, N25.897 million on uniforms and other clothing, N5.875 million on the printing of non-security documents, another N999, 975 on the printing of security documents, N6.084 million on foodstuff/catering materials supplies, N19.289 million on electric charges, N6.203 million on telephone charges, N4.629 million on water rates, among others.

Source: Daily Trust.