State House to achieve full digitalization by November 2024, says Permanent Secretary

… as Reps Committee tours data centre

By Kunle Sanni

The Permanent Secretary of the State House, Olufunso Adebiyi, has announced that the full digitalization of State House operations will be completed by November 2024.

Adebiyi made this known during a visit by the House of Representatives Committee on Special Duties to the State House data center in Abuja on Tuesday.

During the visit, led by Hon. Kabir Tukura, the Committee Chair, the legislators assessed the data center as part of their statutory oversight to evaluate the implementation of the 2023 and 2024 budgets.

Adebiyi emphasized that the digitalization process would enhance efficiency, security, and the smooth running of critical administrative functions within the State House.

A statement from Abiodun Oladunjoye, Director of Information and Public Relations at the State House, revealed that Adebiyi also briefed the lawmakers on the ongoing renovation of Dodan Barracks, Lagos, the former seat of government, which is scheduled for completion before the end of the year. He invited the committee members to visit the site for an on-the-spot assessment.

The renovation project, alongside other improvements at the Lagos Liaison Office, is funded through the 2023 supplementary budget and the 2024 budget, Adebiyi explained. He further highlighted that the State House had achieved 43% implementation of capital projects in 2024 and a notable 99% implementation of overhead expenditure.

In his budget report, Adebiyi disclosed that the total overhead expenditure for 2024 stood at N22.62 billion, spread across seven key cost centers, including the State House Headquarters, the President’s and Vice President’s operations, the Chief of Staff’s office, the Chief Security Officer’s office, the State House Medical Centre, and the Lagos Liaison Office.

As of August 31, 2024, the State House had received N15.08 billion of the appropriated funds, with N14.9 billion expended, leaving a balance of N14.5 million, reflecting a 99% implementation rate.

For capital expenditure, Adebiyi noted that N51.3 billion was allocated for 2024, with N22 billion spent, leaving a balance of N29.3 billion, representing a 43% implementation rate. He commended the House Committee for approving an increased budget allocation to the State House, which has supported the progress of various capital projects, including the renovation of the President’s residence, the digitalization of State House operations, and the replacement of operational vehicles.

Providing an overview of the 2023 budget performance, Adebiyi reported that N1.65 billion was approved for personnel costs, with nearly the entire sum spent, leaving a minimal balance. Similarly, for overhead expenditure, N8.29 billion was appropriated, with N8.27 billion expended, achieving a 99.82% implementation rate.

In terms of capital expenditure, N11.2 billion was approved for 2023, with N10.9 billion spent, representing a 98% overall budget performance.

Hon. Tukura expressed satisfaction with the ongoing digital transformation of the State House and commended the administration for its prudent use of resources and commitment to modernizing government operations.

“The 2024 budget implementation is progressing well, with 98% of the funds already utilized,” he said. “There are no gaps, and we are convinced they are doing well.”