Taraba: Gov Kefas presents over 400bn 2025 budget, seeks House approval.
From Daniel Mtindiga, Jalingo.
Taraba State Governor His Excellency, Dr. Agbu Kefas has today, Presented budget estimated 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 to the Taraba State House of Assembly for approval for the 2025 fiscal year.
The Gov. in his presentation, captured, Education, Job creation, Tourism and sustainability, Security, Agriculture and natural resources, Healthcare and strengthening governance as key areas/sectors strategically planned to work on massively in the year 2025.
The budget which is tagged, “Transformation budget” according to Gov. Kefas, encapsulates a vision to build a more prosperous, inclusive and sustainable Taraba State.”
He disclosed that, the 2024 budget of over 300bn laid the foundation for strategic investments in critical sectors including Education, Healthcare, Agriculture, infrastructure and Security.
He stated that, he was proud to present the 2025 budget proposal happily titled, “the budget of transformation”, with the total allocation of over four hundred and twenty nine billion naira which represents a thirty seven percent increase over the 2024 budget emphasizing that, it is a great and calculated step to reposition Taraba State for greater socio-economic impact.
He revealed that strategic investment is the reason for the 2025 budget expansion. “Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, you may ask, why the increase? This budget expansion is anchored on strategic investment to enhance allocations for infrastructure, education, Healthcare, and job creation to meet growing demands. This long time blueprint, underscores our commitment to sustainable development and effective governance.”
He however pointed that, the key assumption of the 2025 budget is based on prudent micro-economic assumptions including Gross Domestic Products, involvement of 4.6 percent oil price bench mark of seventy five (75) dollar per barrel at the exchange rate of one thousand four hundred naira and the inflation rate of 15. 75 percent.
He noted that the budget increase reflects his administration’s resolve to diversify income while strengthening fiscal discipline and efficiency adding that the expenditure is solely focused on transformation.
According to him, “The 2025 budget prioritizes key sectors as follows; critical operations, administrative services, law and justice. These allocations are tailored to drive growth, promote equity and enhance the quality of lives of our people.
”We will focus on expansion of free compulsory education and construction of modern schools using hydro block machines, job creation/empowerment, infrastructure including construction of healthcare facilities, roads and renewable energy, Agriculture specifically mechanized farming and responsible mining activities.”
