Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has presented the 2025 budget proposal valued at N540.37 billion to the State House of Assembly.
In a statement yesterday, Rafiu Ajakaye, the governor’s Chief Press Secretary said he emphasised his administration’s commitment to completing ongoing projects, initiating new ones, and supporting vulnerable populations.
The budget tagged the “Budget of Economic Stability and Sustained Prosperity,” allocates 62.1 per cent to capital expenditure and 37.9 per cent to recurrent costs, with a focus on infrastructure development, social protection, and economic growth across the state.
The governor outlined key projects, including the construction of 250 mass housing units and inner roads in the Kwara Smart City, the completion of the International Conference Centre, Innovation Hub, Patigi Motel, Kwara Hotel, and several road projects, and the reconstruction of stadia in Offa and Lafiagi.
He also announced plans to begin work on a multi-story CourtHouse and the upgrade of the Metropolitan Square.
The Ministry of Works and Transport received 17.51 per cent of the budget to further road construction and maintenance efforts across the state.
The social sector was allocated 32.5 per cent, focusing on youth and women empowerment and poverty alleviation initiatives.
Education received 16.2.per cent, with plans to operationalize the new university of education and strengthen existing institutions, while the health sector was allocated 10.56 per cent to improve medical services statewide.
Governor AbdulRazaq also highlighted efforts to strengthen mechanized agriculture with the procurement of modern equipment.
In reviewing the administration’s achievements in 2024, the governor noted that 171,649 farmers benefited from irrigation systems and N2.2 billion worth of farm inputs, while funding was provided for 180,920 candidates across major exams, including WAEC and NECO.
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He said over 70,000 vulnerable people benefited from social protection programs, including those affected by the urban renewal initiative, and 15,000 indigent residents received free medical care.
The governor celebrated the urban renewal programme’s success in transforming Ilorin into a modern city and noted a significant reduction in the state’s debt profile from N109.16 billion in December 2023 to N58.87 billion by the third quarter of 2024.
Governor Abdulrazaq appreciated stakeholders for their support and assured them that the 2025 budget stands on solid economic projections, including an oil price benchmark of $75 per barrel, daily oil production of 2.06 million barrels, and a GDP growth rate of 6.4 per cent.
He outlined the funding sources as FAAC receipts, which constitute 48.1 per cent, and internally generated revenue, capital receipts, and an opening balance of N62 billion, making up 51.9 per cent.
The governor emphasised that the budget is not just a ritual but reflects a commitment to delivering on promises as resources permit.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House, Yakubu Danladi-Salihu, commended the governor’s transparency, accountability, and commitment to completing legacy projects, promising a thorough and swift review of the budget proposal.
He acknowledged the state’s investments in paying counterpart funds to development partners, which have bolstered its standing in education, health, and agriculture.
The Speaker assured the public that the Assembly would engage ministries, departments, and agencies during budget defence sessions to ensure the proposal aligns with the state’s development goals.
