In an apparent move to fast-track and sustain the socio-economic development of Bauchi State, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Sulaiman, has assured the state governor, Bala Mohammed, of quick and speedy passage of the 2025 budget estimates as presented before the State House of Assembly.
Sulaiman said the 2025 budgetary proposal, which gave focus to key major areas of intervention by the governor, further speaks to the determination of Governor Mohammed towards sustainable development in the state.
Governor Mohammed had on Thursday presented a N465,855billion budget proposal for the 2025 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly with 18 per cent increase from the 2024 Appropriation.
The speaker in his welcome address/vote of thank speech noted that early presentation of budgetary proposal by the governor “goes to show the commitment, zeal and determination of the Governor to transform the State for the betterment of our citizens,” adding that all the previous budgets submitted and passed by the House during the 9th and the current 10th Assemblies were all in conformity with global best standards of financial management and public expenditure.
While thanking all the traditional, political leaders and other stakeholders present at the budget presentation, the Speaker also used the occasion to commend the governor and members of the state executive council for approving the implementation of the national minimum wage of N70,000.
Sulaiman said, “I am happy to note that the Budget has prioritized some major areas of intervention that are real indices for growth and economic development for the State. Such areas of Education, Health, Rural and Infrastructural development, economic empowerment for vulnerable and less privileged in the society as well as security, human and capital development are no doubt important areas that are synonymous with progress and development of any society.
“I am happy to report to you that despite the current economic realities in the country generally, the Budget implementation of the year 2024 in the State is expected to reach an average of almost 80%. This Was made possible by the inclusion of Revised and Supplementary Budget.
“Your antecedents and track records speak for you. Your visionary leadership and quest for development of Bauchi State is a source of inspiration and encouragement to many of us in the State. You are a role model that is difficult to come by or compete with, you are an asset not only to Bauchi State, but the entire nation as a whole.
“On our part, we reassure you that we will not renege on any demand that is aimed at improving the lives of the citizens of the State which is also consistent with your policies and programmes as contained in the pet policy document tagged “My Bauchi Project 1 and 2”. We shall also follow the implementation process of the Budget to ensure value for money and benefit for all citizens.”
The lawmaker further lamented the country’s economic woes describing it as ‘artificial hardship’ inflicted on the citizens by the policies of the federal government and urged the governor to call on the federal government to urgently review some of the policies that have continued to pauperise masses of the country.
