A Sum of 540.3 billion Naira Appropriation Budget has been laid before the State House of Assembly by Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq of Kwara State
Presenting the budget at the Hallowed Chamber of the House, Governor Abdulrazaq noted that Capital Expenditure guzzles 62.1% of the fiscal plan while Recurrent secures 37.9%.
The Governor said the budget would complete the major infrastructural projects across the state, and fund new ones such as 250 units of mass housing and inner roads in the smart city, another big feather to his cap.
According to him, stadia in Offa and Lafiagi are also prioritised in the budget, while new roads are to be constructed in Kwara South, North, and Central to further ease the movement of goods and services within the state
He posited that construction work would begin on a multi-story CourtHouse, the best of its kind in the northern region, while the Metropolitan Square will be upgraded and completed.
Governor Abdulrazaq pledged massive youth, women empowerment and anti-poverty initiatives as the social sector gets 32.50% of the plan
The Governor explained that education and health are allotted 16.2% and 10.56% apiece, with a focus on getting the new University of Education take off and strengthen existing institutions across the state.
Governor Abdulrazaq said Ministry of Works and Transport gets 17.51% to carry on its massive road construction and maintenance mandate.
He maintained that the budget stands on projected oil prices of $75 per barrel, daily oil production of 2.06 million barrels, and 6.4% GDP growth.
Governor Abdulrazaq indicated that funding windows are FAAC receipts, which constitute 48.1%; and opening balance (N62bn), IGR, and other capital receipts that form the balance of 51.9%
In his remarks, Speaker, Engineer Yakubu Danlad-Salihu expressed the hope that hope that the year 2025 Appropriation Bill made adequate and realistic projections and as well address the critical needs of the people as it had done in previous years under Your Excellency’s watch.
Engineer Danlad-Salihu stated that their part as legislators, he and his colleagues would immediately swing into action by looking at the document critically and meticulously as we begin to interface with Heads of Ministries, Departments and Agencies at defence sessions that will be underway shortly.
The Governor was accompanied by top government officials led by Chief of Staff Prince Abdulkadir Mahe, Justice Oluwayemisi Ajayi, Justice Ahmad Sayi, first class traditional rulers led by the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo Oba Ismail Yahya Alebiosu, who stood in for the Emir of Ilorin, clergymen, and security commanders
