Victor Ezeja
GOVERNOR of Kogi, Yahaya Bello has presented the sum of N145,896,072,913 to the State House of Assembly as the 2022 fiscal year budget estimate for the state.
The governor who presented on Thursday, the budget which was tagged “Budget of Accelerated Result,” said it was designed to help in the effective delivery of good governance to citizens of the state which involve enhancing wealth creation, poverty reduction, employment generation, conflict resolution, peace-building and fairness, transparency and accountability.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelBello noted that the early presentation of the budget was to allow for ample time to consider it by the State House of Assembly, adding that the goal of the budget is to ensure adequate development of projects in line with the state’s Development Plan and respective Sector needs.
The Governor noted that the focus of the budget would be on prioritising the completion of all ongoing projects, and initiating new ones that address the critical needs of the state.
He also added that the 2022 appropriation seeks to increase the revenue generation drive of the state in order to reduce over-dependence on allocation from the Federal Government and manage the state’s debt profile to a sustainable level, while also creating an environment that is conducive for investors and even donor agencies to operate.
On revenue generation, the governor disclosed that the state has devised various strategies to increase revenue earnings through solid minerals and others.
“By 2023 budget presentation, the 13% derivation from crude oil produced on our land would have increased the state’s revenue streams, alongside more returns on investments in solid minerals.”A breakdown of the budget shows recurrent expenditure as N90,151,291,251 (61.79%), while capital expenditure is N55,744,781,662 (38. 21%),” Bello stated.
The governor said he would specifically focus implementation in the areas of Education, Health, Infrastructure & Utilities, Youth Empowerment and Employment Creation, Civil Service & Pension Reforms, Security, Agriculture, and Human Capital Development in the State.
He added that the state has also keyed fully into the Economy Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) of the Federal Government to ensure economic stability and quick measurable results.
A breakdown of the budget shows Recurrent Expenditure as N90,151,291,251 (61.79%), while Capital Expenditure is N55,744,781,662 (38. 21%) .
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.
