Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Atiku Bagudu has stated that N18 billion will be granted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the conduct of the governorship elections in Bayelsa, Kogi, and Imo States.

He stated this while briefing State House media following the Council meeting, which was presided over by President Bola Tinubu at the Presidential Villa’s Council Chamber in Abuja.

“Equally N18 billion was provided for the Independent National Electoral Commission to support them in the conduct of the Bayelsa, Kogi and Imo elections,” he informed.

He also stated that the council has approved N2.1 trillion as Supplementary Budget for 2023.

He explained that out of the proposed amount, N605 billion would be spent on national defense and security, while about N300 billion would be spent on the maintenance of bridges.

Bagudu also disclosed that N210 billion would go for the payment of wage awards to civil servants and N400 billion for cash transfers to vulnerable households.

Another provision of N8 billion was included in the supplementary budget for the take-off of the newly created ministries such as the Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy, according to Bagudu.