The chairman of the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Hon Christopher Zakka Maikalangu, has unveiled a N25.65 billion budget for 2025, tagged the “Budget for Sustainable Development.”
The presentation, made to AMAC legislators yesterday, December 31, 2024, emphasizes grassroots development, infrastructure expansion, and empowerment programmes across the council’s 12 wards.
Hon Maikalangu stated that the budget adopts a Zero-Based Budgeting approach to eliminate wasteful expenditures while focusing on delivering quality education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
He emphasized the council’s commitment to completing ongoing projects and equitably servicing all wards.
“Our administration has executed numerous projects, including road construction with streetlights, solar-powered boreholes, primary school and health centre renovations, youth and women empowerment, and agricultural support,” he noted.
The N25.65 billion budget represents a 10% increase from the previous year’s estimates. It allocates 46.23% (N11.86 billion) to recurrent expenditure and 53.77% (N13.79 billion) to capital projects.
Key revenue sources include:Net statutory allocation: N15.29 billion.10% FCT IGR contribution: N10.5 billion. AMAC IGR and DOAS: N5.56 billion. Term loans: N4.5 billion
The budget places significant emphasis on infrastructure, allocating 82.93% of the capital expenditure to new projects and 0.80% to ongoing projects.
Notable initiatives include the construction and rehabilitation of 20 roads, the development of 10 rural electrification projects, the installation of 18 boreholes and the establishment of a radio station, the procurement of 45 security vehicles for law enforcement agencies, challenges, and future plans.
Hon. Maikalangu acknowledged challenges inherited from previous administrations, including outstanding contractor payments, and pledged to reconcile and settle legitimate claims.
“Clearing these backlogs is essential for the smooth implementation of our development agenda,” he said.
He urged legislators to expedite approval of the budget to enable timely implementation, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to sustainable development.
The proposed budget aims to enhance socio-economic growth, protect lives and property, and deliver on campaign promises, consolidating AMAC’s progress in grassroots development.
Speaker, AMAC Legislative Council, Hon Mathew Yare reaffirmed the assembly’s commitment to good governance and socio-economic development.
He lauded Zakka’s administration for its strategic approach to growth and assured timely approval of the budget.
“The 2025 Proposal is a blueprint for sustainable growth, addressing the needs of our vibrant and diverse population while ensuring a prosperous future for the Abuja Municipal Area Council,” Yare stated.
