Ekiti State House of Assembly has passed the State College of Agriculture and Technology (first amendment) Bill, 2021, and committed the 2022 Budget to its Committee on Finance and Appropriation for further legislative scrutiny.
The lawmakers, at plenary on Friday, approved the amendment that sought to change the name of the institution to Ekiti State Polytechnic, Isan Ekiti.
The lawmakers agreed that the amendment is aimed at enlarging the horizon of the institution.
The Leader of Business, Mr Gboyega Aribisogan, moved the motion for the approval of the bill and was seconded by Hon Femi Akindele, (APC-Irepodun/Ifelodun 1).
The Assembly also committed the 2022 budget estimates to its Committee on Finance and Appropriation for further scrutiny.
Members of the Assembly, in their various contributions to the debate before the committee, applauded Governor Kayode Fayemi for the judicious use of the 2021 Budget.
They charged various government Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) to be more proactive on revenue generation to better finance the 2022 budget, rather than relying solely on federal allocation.
At the plenary, the bill to impose Tax on Goods and Services consumed in hotels, restaurants and event centres in Ekiti State and other matters incidental thereto or connected therewith, 2021 was also considered by the house.
The bill, sponsored by Olubunmi Adelugba (APC-Emure), was committed to the Committee on Trade and Investment for further legislative action.
In his remarks, Speaker of the Assembly, Funminiyi Afuye, charged the two Committees to speedily work on the bills.
Afuye directed the Finance and Appropriation Committee to work earnestly with other standing committees of the House towards scrutinising the budget proposal speedily.
He also charged the Committee on Trade and Investment to look into the practicability and workability of the tax bill in order to ensure that it does not amount to double taxation.
He gave the Committees two weeks to work and report back to the House.
