On Tuesday, the Sokoto State House of Assembly passed the state’s 2025 Appropriation Bill of N526.9 billion.

The bill was passed during the assembly’s plenary session after the chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Abdullahi Zakari (APC-Rabah), presented the committee’s report.

Governor Ahmed Aliyu presented the 2025 budget estimate to the assembly on November 29.

Mr Zakari said that following the Governor’s presentation, the committee commenced budget defence sessions for the various ministries, departments, and agencies through its sub-committees from December 4 to December 15.

“These engagements allowed the MDAs to clarify their budgetary needs, after which the sub-committees submitted their reports to the main committee.

“However, some MDAs requested additional funds, and adjustments were made to cater to essential priority needs without altering the total budget size,” he explained.

Mr Zakari said that the approved 2025 budget comprised capital expenditure of N349.4 billion and recurrent expenditure of N176.3 billion, making the total budget size of N526.9 billion.

He said the committee also made key recommendations, including the need for enhanced collaboration between MDAs and the budget and finance ministries to address discrepancies in budget reporting.

“Furthermore, on revenue generation, agencies should explore new revenue opportunities and plug leakages, ensuring full compliance with the State Revenue Integration and Consolidation Law 2019,” he said.

The house leader, Bello Idris (APC-Gwadabawa North), moved the motion for the passage of the bill, which the speaker, Tukur Bala, subsequently put to a voice vote and unanimously approved by the lawmakers.

(NAN)