2023 budget: Gov Bala presents over N200 billion estimate to Bauchi assembly for approval
Mohammed Kaka Misau
Senator Bala Mohammed, the Governor of Bauchi state on Wednesday presented budget estimate of N202 billion to the state assembly for approval for 2023 fiscal year.
Bala Mohammed while tabling the estimate before the state assembly, noted that the 2023 budget estimate is slightly higher in size than that of last year 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 him, the estimate which he tagged ‘Budget of Accomplishment and Renewed Commitment’ has a capital expenditure of over N114b, adding that N125b was earmarked for recurrent expenditure.
Bala further noted that the budget has an increase of 2.6 percent over the last year’s budget proposal stressing that emphasis would be made in completion of all the ongoing projects across the state.
Governor Bala pointed out that new projects can only be considered where it becomes absolutely necessary.
He said, despite the dwindling economic challenges that affected the performance of previous budget proposals, his administration has made significant achievements in critical sectors of health, education, agriculture and human capital development.
“Public hearings have been conducted across the three Senatorial Zones in the state with a view to accommodate inputs from the citizens towards executing projects that have direct bearing on their lives”, Bala Mohammed disclosed.
The Governor who commended the harmonious relationship with the 9th Assembly in the state, also appealed for the speedy passage of the budget to allow timely implementation.
On his part, the Speaker of the Bauchi state assembly, Rt. Honourable Abubakar Sulaiman described the presentation of the budget as a historic one.
“It 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”, the speaker explained.
The Speaker who noted that one of their major duties as legislators as enshrine in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the scrutiny and passage of annual budget, described it as “key to the growth and Development of our dear state”.
Speaker Abubakar assured the Governor that his colleagues, like in the past three years, will give the budget a careful and speedy consideration and subsequently pass it into law before the end of the year so that implementation will commence at the beginning of the year 2023.
“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”, the speaker said.
He informed the governor that it was gratifying to note that, despite the dwindling financial position, Bauchi state has in the last three years under him, witnessed an unprecedented transformation in infrastructure, health, education, empowerment and all sectors and institutions.
The speaker commended the Governor for his doggedness and commitment towards fulfilling his campaign promises to the good people of the state despite these challenges.
He also prayed that God Almighty in his infinite mercy grant the governor another term to continue the good work he is doing for the people of Bauchi State.