TARABA: LAU COUNCIL BOSS PRESENTS BUDGET FOR 2025 FISCAL YEAR
Mohammed Tikka
The Chairman of Lau Local Government Area of Taraba State, Hon. Nigeria Silema Jatau, has presented the proposed budget appropriation bill of over six billion naira to the Legislative Arm of the Council
The budget, tagged, “Budget of humble beginnings ,” according to the council boss, is aimed at sustaining economic growth, bridging the gap between the rich and the poor and ensuring effective service delivery in Lau Local Government area.
The proposed budget size is N6.406, 098, 505.14 (Six billion, four hundred and six million, ninety eight thousand, five hundred and five naira and fourteen Kobo only) with a focus on sectors such as agriculture, economy, youth empowerment, wealth creation, health and education.
The council boss stressed that, two billion, seven hundred and one million, eight hundred thousand, six hundred and seventy seven naira, twenty four Kobo (N2,701,800,677. 24) of the budget is expected from the Federal Government from the monthly Statutory Allocations.
“One billion, two hundred and thirty three million, three hundred and fifty nine thousand, seven hundred and ninety naira, sixty four kobo (N1,233, 350,790,64), from Value Added Tax (VAT) while the remaining balance would be generated from the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and donations from Non Governmental Organisation and External Bodies.
In the estimate, Personnel Cost, took a major share of N2,242,134,476.79 (Two billion, two hundred and forty two million, one hundred and thirty four thousand, four hundred and seventy six naira, seventy nine Kobo), amounting to 35% of the total budget.
Other Sectors that the administration also prioritized in the budget includes, Capital Development Fund, which take 30% of the budget, while Overhead Cost, Consolidated Charges Funding and Internal Debt, takes 20%, 10% and 5% respectively”. The chairman stated.
He said that his administration was committed to intensifying efforts in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) collection and mobilization to achieve effective results, adding that the Department of Finance and Budget Planning must play a pivotal role in achieving fruitful results.
The Chairman who acknowledged that Lau Local Government was an agrarian area, pledged his determination to support agricultural activities and farmers to enhance their farming activities for both seasons.
“Lau Local Government is renowned for its agrarian nature, to ensure bumper harvest and strengthen food security, my administration is committed to supporting agriculture and economic empowerment initiatives”
“We shall procure 5,000 bags of fertilizer and improved crops seed for our farmers at a subsidized rate.
“In addition to agriculture, the administration will also concentrates more on Youth Empowerment, Wealth Creation and making youths Self Reliance, ensuring that our women and youth stand by themselves’. He added
Hon. Nigeria further acknowledged the contributions of traditional and religious leaders towards the peace and development of the area, noting that he would continue to work collaboratively with them for the peace and development of the council.
Meanwhile, the Council Leader, Hon. Yakubu Yunana Soje, promised to expedite the budget’s passage after careful review, thanking the Chairman, community leaders and stakeholders for their cooperation.
Dignitaries present at the event included the Vice Chairman, Council members, Management staff, and political stakeholders.
