Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
The Taraba State House of Assembly has approved a budget of N431.3 billion for the 2025 fiscal year, marking a significant 37% increase from the 2024 budget.
The approval followed the presentation of the report by the House Committee on Finance, Budget, and Appropriation, chaired by Abdulazeez Titong.
Initially, Governor Agbu Kefas had proposed a budget of N429.9 billion, but the lawmakers raised the figure by N1.5 billion to address underestimated recurrent and capital expenditures.
Chairman Titong explained that the additional funds would cover the creation of a new Ministry of Tertiary Education, established after the budget’s initial submission.
He also highlighted concerns over the state’s low Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and the repetition of uncompleted projects by various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
“The N1.5 billion adjustment ensures that the new ministry is adequately funded, while recommendations have been made to boost IGR and improve project implementation,” said Nelson Len, Chairman of the House Committee on Information.
The lawmakers recommended overhauling revenue-generating processes, blocking leakages, and enhancing employment opportunities to curb youth unemployment.
Governor Kefas was commended for his commitment to socio-economic development, with the Assembly urging the administration to achieve over 70% implementation of the 2025 budget.
The final budget, now at N431.3 billion, reflects the Assembly’s efforts to address the state’s economic and developmental challenges while fostering accountability and efficiency.