Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State has presented over 545 billion naira budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly.
The Governor while presenting the budget estimates said out of the figure over 393 was earmarked as capital expenditure while over 151 billion naira for recurrent expenditure.
Dr Lawal explained that, the 2025 budget was crafted with careful consideration of the prevailing economic realities in order to ensure that his administration priorities align with the aspirations of his people and the transformative goals.
He noted that, the revenue projections for 2025 are grounded in economic indices and strategic reforms.
"The 2025 budget estimate covers a total of N545,014,575,000.00 for both
Recurrent and Capital Expenditures"
"The Recurrent expenditure, amounting to #151,680,000,000.00, which is 28% of the total expenditure, will essentially cover personnel costs"
According to him, part of the recurrent expenditure including the N70,000 minimum wage increment, pensions, gratuities, and provision for new employees.
"On the other hand, capital expenditure, which accounts for 72% of the budget, is 393,334,575,000.00"
Dr Dauda Lawal further explained that, out of the total estimate, over 112 billion naira representing 20.71%, is earmarked for the Administration Sector.
He maintained that, the sector covers areas such as religious Affairs, Information and Culture, Internal Security and Home Affairs, Assembly Matters, Civil Service, Cabinet Affairs, and General Services"
While over 253 billion naira was earmarked for the Economic Sector, which comprises Agriculture, Commerce, Industries and Tourism, Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Development; Budget and planning and Finance.
The Governor stressed that, 170 billion is allocated to Social Sector comprises Education, Health, Youth and Sports Development, Women and Social Development, Environment, and Natural Resources.
Dr Lawal maintained that, Education and Health, being the most critical components of the sectors, received, the highest allocation of 14.62% and 11.77%, respectively.
"The Law and Justice Sector is allocated the sum of N8,755,460,000.00"
He further highlighted some Major Capital Projects to be Executed in the Year 2025 included Completion of Gusau International Airport, provide a dual-carriage access road to the airport.
"In our bid to open up Zamfara State for more economic activities, we will construct a new Ultra-modern Central Motor Park in the state capital, We are all aware of the situation of our historic Gusau old Market, built in 1958, which requires serious attention to make it more befitting for businesses. Within the year 2025, we plan to
modernize the market. Adequate provision has been made in the budget to cater for the project.
"We also intend to complete the renovation, remodelling, and equipping of the Yeriman Bakura Specialist Hospital, Gusau and General Hospital, Talata Mafara, in the 2025 fiscal year.
Others project are, ample provision for procurement of Security Equipment is also made, Establishment of Modern Diagnostic Centres, Rural Electrification in Various Communities, Upgrade and Modernisation of Gusau Water Treatment Plant and Construction of Zamfara State Sports Complex,
"Establishment of Teachers' Training Institute, Supply of Medical Equipment for various Hospitals in the State,
Provision of Boreholes in Rural Areas,
Youth Empowerment and Skills Acquisition Programmes, Modernisation of State Secretariat Complex,
Rehabilitation of Government Schools Across the State"
According to him, his administration also intends to support 5,000 vulnerable people under the Department of Social Transfers of the CSDA, with the sum of N10,000 each per month for 12 months.
"A total of 6000 unemployed youth under the Labour-Intensive Public Works Department of the Agency will benefit the sum of N20,000 each per month for 12 months, and in the Livelihood Grants Department, a total of 8,000 small businesses will be supported with the sum of N150,000 each to enhance commerce and trade in the state in the year 2025"
He called on the Zamfara State Hiyse of Assembly to support the aspirations captured in thie budget. As a family, we should work diligently together to ensure that the strategic objectives outlined are realised for the betterment of our dear state. Our collective efforts will no doubt be instrumental in driving the transformative changes
In remark, Speaker Zamfara State House of Assembly, Alhaji Bilyaminu Ismail Moriki commended the state Governor for his commitment to transform the state.
Alhaji Moriki pledged to ensure speedy passage of the budget estimate.
