By Sule Aliyu Bauchi
Bauchi Governor Muhammad, on Friday signed the N467bn 2023 Appropriation Budget, which was recently passed by the State Assembly.
Krestnews recall that on November 21, 2024, the governor had presented a N465 billion appropriation bill to the assembly, which was passed.
Presenting the report at the Government House in Bauchi, the Speaker, Suleiman Abubakar, stated that lawmakers jacked up the budget and added N2 billion, making it N467 billion, which was then passed.
Abubakar said that two laws- the 2025 Appropriation Law and the Bauchi state Water and Industrial System Lawn – were presented to the governor for his assent.
“We promised the governor and the people of Bauchi State that the House would submit the 22025 proposed budget bill to the necessary legislature before the year runs. Accordingly, the House, through its various committees, meticulously reviewed the proposal to ensure that allocations aligned with demands of the state.
“The engagement was thorough and transparent.The other law will establish a system framework for the management and sustainable use of our water resources.
“Access to clean and safe water is crucial to the wellbeing of residents.This law will empower local communities to participate in water management, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility. Both of these laws are instrumental to promoting good governance, transparency and accountability in our state’s financial management and resources utilization,” he said.
Gov Bala Muhammad while assenting the 2024 state budget thanked the Speaker and the members of the House for their exceptional commitment and spirit of patriotism in the service of the state.
Muhammad acknowledged that the upward review of N2 billion was necessitated by the desire to ensure that services were delivered to the people.
“The 2025 budget defines our desire to define a clear pathway towards meeting our bold vision for the development of our dear state and citizens,” he stated.
“We have over the last five years made significant progress towards the provision of services and improving the quality of infrastructure that have affected the lives and welfare of our people.
“We look forward to implementing the 2025 budget for the next one year and are ever more committed to investing in the development of critical infrastructures needed to grow our economy.We will also pay special attention to develop the human capital resources of the state through prioritisation of education, healthcare delivery and provision of key social services.
“This is in addition to a plan to promote agriculture production, improve commerce and attract investors.We have set before us a clear course of action, defining our priorities, and setting up plans to achieve our goals.
“We must carry out a self assessment of ourselves. I admonish every member of our team to work even harder as the review exercise will be done more frequently,” he said