Governor Ahmed Ododo of Kogi on Tuesday presented an appropriation bill of N582.4 billion for the 2025 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly for consideration and approval.

Mr 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 the total budget expenditure outlay included administration, N120 billion, representing  20.61 per cent; economic sector, N227.81 billion, representing 39.12 per cent; law and justice, N23.75 billion, representing 4.08 per cent; while social sector would get N210.78 billion, representing 36.19 per cent.

He said the budget aimed to promote economic growth, reduce financial burdens, and create an attractive business environment for investors and partners.

Mr 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 the 2024 revised budget, Mr 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.”

Mr Ododo pointed out that the 2025 budget would focus on social protection interventions, rural infrastructure development, agricultural development, Small and 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 into 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 potential.

Mr 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, Umar Yusuf, speaker of the Kogi House of Assembly,  promised to give speedy consideration to the budget and passage.

The speaker, however, urged the government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) to cooperate fully with the relevant committees during the budget defence process.

He commended the governor for his support for the legislators and for granting full autonomy to the House of Assembly and its request to improve the assembly complex.

(NAN)