By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja.
GOVERNOR Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi has presented an Appropriation Bill of N582.4 billion as total estimated expenditure for 2025 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly for approval.
Presenting the Appropriation Bill on the floor of the Assembly on Tuesday, Governor Ododo said the budget represented a total estimated revenue (Recurrent Revenue and Capital Receipts) and total estimated expenditure (Recurrent and Capital).
Tagged “Budget Of Inclusive Development” Ododo said the budget was designed to achieve six major goals aimed at promoting economic growth, reducing financial burdens and creating a more attractive business environment for investors and partners of the state.
According to him, the total budget outlay of N582,404,119.489 is divided into Recurrent Expenditure of N279,590,215,687 representing 48.01 per cent and Capital Expenditure of N302,813,903,802 representing 51.99 per cent.
“The total estimated revenue (recurrent revenue and capital receipts) stands at (N582,404,119,489 for the year 2025 and the total estimated expenditure (Recurrent and Capital) stands at N582,404,119,489 for the year 2025 making the 2025 Draft Budget a balance budget”, Ododo revealed.
The governor hinted that the fiscal strategy of the Government for the next three years would be anchored on the on-going Public Financial Management Reform (PFM).
Over the period 2025-2027, the State Government’s fiscal policy would be directed at Improving the efficiency and effectiveness of spending and ensuring greater control of the State Wage Bill.
He said the fiscal policy would also aim at directing capital expenditure to critical infrastructures such as e Road, Housing, Education, Health and other thematic areas of Job Creation, Youth Engagement, Infrastructure and Utilities and Public Sector and Pension Reforms.
Boosting revenue receipts by identifying and blocking revenue leakages; and gradual fiscal consolidation to achieve a level of public spending consistent with macroeconomic stability and sustainable debt would also be pursued.
Addressing the governor earlier, Speaker of the House, RT Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf described the occasion as a “Moment of historic significance” as it marked the first time Governor Ododo was presenting a budget to the House since his assumption of office as Governor.
“This presentation underscores the vital partnership between the Executive and Legislative Arms of Government. As representatives of the people, it is our sacred duty to scrutinize the budget proposals”, he said.
The exercise, according to the Speaker, is to ensure they reflect the financial plan, vision, priorities and commitment of the State Government in addressing the welfare, needs and aspirations of the citizens of Kogi State through inclusive development, economic growth, social security and justice.
Pledging to ensure timely passage of the Appropriation Bill, Speaker Aliyu Umar Yusuf said, “This process symbolizes our shared commitment to advancing the progress of our dear State through effective governance”, he said. (Ends)