The Nasarawa State government has earmarked N40.16 billion to be spent in the education sector in 2024, representing 20 per cent of the total budget of N199.9 billion.

Munira Abdullahi, state Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Planning, disclosed to journalists during the 2024 budget breakdown on Friday in Lafia.

The commissioner explained that education was the state government’s topmost priority, so it allocated 20 per cent of its 2024 budget in compliance with UNESCO’s recommendation.

She added that the budget comprised N113.123 billion for recurrent expenditure and N86.8 billion for capital expenditure.

The commissioner said the budget was expected to be funded from the following anticipated revenue sources: an opening balance of N3.56 billion and a statutory revenue allocation of N45 billion.

Others are value-added tax of N27.50 billion, exchange gain of N7.50 billion, special allocation of N11 billion, refund from NNPC, N20 billion, and other revenue from FAAC, N5.9 billion, with N43.3 billion from internally generated revenue.

Ms Abdullahi also said the government had budgeted N500 million to purchase Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) in Lafia, the state capital, to tackle security challenges.

She noted that the administration of Governor Abdullahi Sule had adhered to international best practices in preparing the 2024 budget to ensure accountability, transparency and prudence in the management of public resources.

The commissioner, therefore, assured the people of the state of government’s determination to complete all ongoing projects.

Mr Sule signed the 2024 budget into law on December 29, with a commitment to consolidate the gains so far recorded in the state. 

(NAN)