Governor Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir of Bauchi State has on Tuesday 15th October 2022 submitted a budget proposal of N202bn for the 2023 fiscal year before the State House of Assembly for approval.
Presenting the budget speech at the floor of the State House of Assembly in Bauchi, Governor Bala Mohammed revealed that the budget which was tagged ‘Budget of Accomplishment and Renewed Commitment’ has a capital expenditure of over N114 billion while N125 billion was earmarked for recurrent expenditure.
The Governor explained that the budget for the 2023 fiscal year has a slight increase of 2.6% which was higher than the 2022 budget size because his administration is determined to complete all ongoing projects across the state before the expiration of his first tenure on May 29, 2023.
According to the governor, “The budget has an increase of 2.6 percent over last year’s budget proposal because my administration is determined to complete all the ongoing projects across the state. New projects can only be considered where it’s absolutely necessary.
“Despite the dwindling economic challenges that affected the performance of previous budget proposals, my administration has made significant achievements in critical sectors of health, education, agriculture and human capital development.”
“It is interesting to note that public hearings have been conducted across the three senatorial zones in the state with a view to accommodate input from the citizens towards executing projects that have direct bearing on their lives,” he said
The governor commended and appreciated the harmonious working relationship with the 9th Assembly in the state and therefore used the opportunity to appeal for the speedy passage of the budget to allow timely implementation.
Responding, the Speaker of Bauchi 9th Assembly, RT. Hon. Abubakar Y. Sulaiman, said the budget proposal will be given careful and speedy consideration and will be subsequently passed into law before the end of the year so that implementation will commence at the beginning of the year 2023 in the interest of the people.
“Today’s occasion is historic in the sense that it is the last time this Assembly will have this type of special session to receive His Excellency for budget presentation as well as the last budget presentation of His Excellency to the Honourable House in his first term in office.
“Your Excellency, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, one of our major duties as legislators as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, is the scrutiny and passage of annual budget which is key to the growth and development of our dear state”.
“This is with a view to enhancing the gains recorded by the present administration in all areas of human endeavour and consolidate on the massive transformation going on in all parts of the state. Your Excellency, it is gratifying to note that, despite the dwindling financial position, Bauchi State has in the last three years under your able administration, witnessed an unprecedented transformation in infrastructure, health, education, empowerment and all sectors including institutions.
“I must therefore commend Your Excellency for your doggedness and commitment towards fulfilling your campaign promises to the good people of the state despite these challenges. May God Almighty in his infinite mercy, grant you another term to continue the good work you are doing for the people of Bauchi State.
“I like to also use this medium to appreciate and commend my distinguished Honorable colleagues for your patriotism and mutual cooperation without which I believe the successes recorded could not have been achieved. We are always strongly united and committed on the Bauchi development project devoid of any sentiment or consideration of political affiliation,” he said.
