By Stephen Adeleye
GOVERNOR Ahmed Ododo of Kogi on Tuesday, presented an appropriation bill of N582.4 billion for 2025 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly for consideration and approval.
Ododo, while presenting the appropriation bill christened: “Budget of Inclusive Development” in Lokoja, said N279.59 billion, representing 48.01 per cent of the budget had been earmarked for Recurrent Expenditure, while Capital Expenditure was to gulp N302.81 billion representing 51.9 per cent.
The governor said that the total budget expenditure outlay included Administration, N120 billion representing 20.61 per cent, Economic sector, N227.81billion representing 39.12 per cent, Law and Justice, N23.75 billion representing 4.08 per cent, while the; Social sector would get N210.78 billion representing 36.19 per cent.
He said that the budget was aimed at promoting economic growth, reduce financial burdens, and create attractive business environment for investors and partners.
Ododo explained that the total budget package for 2025 was N582,404,119,489 as against N406,321,130,013 approved in the Revised Budget for 2024, with an increase of N176,082,989 or 43.34 per cent.
While appraising the performance of Revised Budget of 2024, Ododo said: “A total sum of N175,766,768,891 was approved for recurrent expenditure in 2024 out of which N130,784,676,462.17 was spent as of September 2024, representing 74.41 per cent performance.
“The approved capital expenditure for 2024 was N230,554,361,200 out of which the sum of N86,138,756,.48 was expended as of September 2924, representing 37.36 per cent performance”.
Ododo pointed out that the 2025 budget would focus on social protection interventions, rural infrastructure development, agricultural development, Small Medium Enterprises (SME) support, alternative energy options, and new partnerships.
He added that the state government had developed a 32-year State Development Plan, with the theme: “Shared Hope and Prosperity”, designed to transform Kogi to a thriving, inclusive and sustainable economy.
The governor reaffirmed his commitment to continue to serve the people truthfully with dedication to solving the problems that limit their potentials.
Ododo commended the legislature for their excellent service to the people of Kogi, and praised the former governor, Yahaya Bello for laying a solid developmental foundation for the state.
He, therefore, urged the Assembly members to ensure a robust deliberation on the budget and timely approval.
In his remarks, Mr Umar Yusuf, Speaker of the Kogi House of Assembly, assured the governor of the continued support of the members of Kogi Assembly and promised to give the budget speedy consideration and passage.
The speaker, however, urged the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) of government to cooperate fully with the relevant committees during the budget defence process.
“As representatives of the people, it is our sacred duty to scrutinise the budget proposals to ensure they reflect the financial plan, vision, priorities and commitment of the State Government.
“This is to ensure that it addresses the welfare, needs and aspirations of the citizens of Kogi State through inclusive development, economic growth, social security and justice.
“This process symbolises our shared commitment to advancing the progress of our dear State through effective governance,” he said.
Yusuf said that the House had continued to fulfil its legislative mandate through meaningful deliberations and the enactment of laws aimed at improving the lives of the people.
He urged his colleagues to approach the task of passing the Appropriation Bill with sense of duty and purpose.
Yusuf said that they would work together to ensure that the policies and programmes reflected in the budget contribute meaningfully to the progress and prosperity the state.
The speaker commended the governor for his tireless support for the legislators, for granting full Autonomy to the House of Assembly and its request to improve the Assembly complex. (NAN)
