Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
Taraba State Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas on Monday presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill of N429 Billion to the State House of Assembly tagged: “Budget of Transformations”.
“Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, I am proud to present the 2025 Budget Proposal, aptly titled the “Budget of Transformation,” with a total allocation of Four Hundred and Twenty-Nine Billion, Eight Hundred and Ninety-Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Eight Thousand, Four Hundred and Two-Naira, Thirty-One Kobo. (₦429,898,968,402.31) only.
“This represents a 37% increase over the 2024 budget, a deliberate and calculated step to reposition Taraba State for greater socio-economic impact.
He said that the increase is anchored on:
• Strategic Investments: Enhanced allocations for infrastructure, education, healthcare, and job creation to meet growing demands.
• Revenue Growth Potential: Projections indicate a significant increase in grants, federal allocations, and internally generated revenue.
• Alignment with the Taraba Development Master Plan (2023–2050): This long-term blueprint underscores our commitment to sustainable development and effective governance.
Revenue Framework: Key Assumptions
According to him, the 2025 budget is based on prudent macroeconomic assumptions, including:
– Gross Domestic Product (GDP)growth rate of 4.6%,
– Oil price benchmark of $75 per barrel,
– Exchange rate of ₦1,400 to the dollar, and
– Inflation rate of 15.75%.
Mr speaker, honourabe members, our
He said the projected revenue sources include:
– Independent Revenue: ₦50.04 billion 11.6%
– Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) (Statutory Allocation and VAT): ₦139.93 billion (32.5%)
– Aids and Grants: ₦154.26 billion (35.9%)
– Capital Development Fund: ₦79.77 billion (18.6%)
These estimates reflect our resolve to diversify income streams while strengthening fiscal discipline and efficiency.
The Recurrent Expenditure stood at ₦163.78 billion (38.1%), Personnel costs and critical operations to ensure effective service delivery. Capital Expenditure: ₦266.12 billion (61.9%)
o Economic Sector: ₦147.09 billion (55.3%)
o Social Services: ₦72.88 billion (27.4%). Administrative Sector: ₦40.20 billion (15.1%)
o Law and Justice: ₦5.95 billion (2.2%)
According to him these allocations are tailored to drive growth, promote equity, and enhance the quality of life for our people.
“Strategic Priorities for 2025 to include,
• Education: Expansion of free, compulsory education and construction of modern schools using hydroform block machines.
• Job Creation: Empowering youths through skill acquisition and entrepreneurship hubs.
• Infrastructure: Development of roads, healthcare facilities, and renewable energy projects.
• Agriculture and Natural Resources: Mechanized farming and responsible mining of resources.
• Security: Strengthening local intelligence networks and leveraging technology for safety with a keen watch on our borders.
• Tourism and Sustainability: Promotion of eco-tourism and renewable energy to diversify the economy.
• Strengthening Governance: Taraba Development Master Plan (2023–2050)
“Mr. speaker, Honourable Members, this budget is a vital component of the Taraba Development Master Plan, our comprehensive framework for strategic growth. The plan emphasizes economic diversification, environmental sustainability, and institutional reforms to make Taraba a model state in Nigeria.
“Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, the 2025 Budget is ambitious but achievable. It reflects our collective aspirations and a commitment to prudent management of resources. I urge you to support this proposal and work with us to ensure its effective implementation.
“Together, we can build a transformed Taraba State—one that offers opportunities, equity, and prosperity for all.
“It is, therefore, with great honor that I lay before this Honourable House the 2025 Taraba State Appropriation Bill to the tune of Four Hundred and Twenty-Nine Billion, Eight Hundred and Ninety-Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Eight Thousand, Four Hundred and Two-Naira, Thirty-One Kobo. (₦429,898,968,402.31) only. The details will be provided by the honourable commissioner of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning – he said.
In his reaction, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. John Kizito Bonzena, said that the budget is a fulfillment of the constitutional requirement contained in section 121 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (As amended), which mandates a Governors of States to present before their State Houses of Assembly the annual budget for consideration and passage.
Bonzena noted that the budget was presented at a time Nigerians complained about the economy.
Speaking furrher on the budget, Bonzena said, “Today marks another significant milestone for our dear State in the pursuit and realisation of remarkable economic transformation, infrastructural renewal and development towards a greater Taraba.
He said that the 10th Assembly under his watch has unanimously resolved to identify with the Governor and support his administration, adding that the Executive arm of government will remain partners in progress in moving the state to next level.
“I promise on behalf of my colleagues, support staff to fastract the passage of the bill into law – he said.