Ododo presents N582.4bn appropriation bill for 2025 to Kogi Assembly
IDRIS AHMED, Lokoja
Kogi State Government has proposed a budget of N582.4billiom for the 2025 fiscal year running from January to December next year.
Presenting the Bill to the State House of Assembly on Tuesday, the State Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo said the proposed estimate is hinged on the administration’s commitment to ensuring equitable distribution of the socio economic amenities to all the people of the State.
The bill tagged the “Budget of Inclusive Development,” has ₦279.6 billion as recurrent expenditure which is 48.01% while the Capital expenditure would gulp ₦302.8 billion, representing 51.99% of the proposal.
The Governor who urged the Assembly to expedite approval of the Bill, stated that it was designed to ensure prompt payment of contractors handling ongoing government projects , emoluments of workers the security and general well-being of the people across the state.
“This administration is committed to completing every project in all 21 local government areas of the state. We will ensure the prompt payment of contractors and workers. Our government will continue to cut the cost of governance, ensuring that the people remain the ultimate beneficiaries of our resources,” he said.
The governor also highlighted his administration’s resolve to sustain the implementation of the ₦72,500 minimum wage for civil servants, which was introduced in October 2024.
“We are optimistic that the enhanced salaries will not only improve service delivery but also have a multiplier effect on the state’s economy,” he added.
The Governor therefore appealed to the lawmakers for a swift review and approval of the budget, noting that the proposal was essential for advancing Kogi State’s economy and improving the quality of life for its residents.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to delivering impactful governance, dividends of democracy that prioritises the needs of the people, pledging that the 2025 fiscal year would be marked by strategic investments in infrastructure, human capital development, and sustainable economic growth.
The Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Yusuf hailed the collaborative relationship among the arms of government and commended the speedy development stride of the Governor since his assumption of office.
He praised Ododo for his concerns for the well-being of the citizens of the state, especially maintenance of peace across the state, urging the people to cooperate with the government and give maximum support for overall good of the State.
The Speaker who assured of the speedy passage of the bill, urged the Ministries, parastatals agencies and departments of government to hasten their defences of the budget to meet up with the dateline.
