Kwara governor unveils ₦540bn 2025 budget

Kwara State Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has presented the 2025 appropriation bill to the state parliament, outlining a ₦540.37 billion budget focused on completing ongoing projects, initiating new developments, and strengthening social protection programmes.

The Kwara State 2025 budget allocates 62.1% to capital expenditure and 37.9% to recurrent costs, underscoring a commitment to infrastructure development and social welfare. Governor Abdulrazaq assured lawmakers that the fiscal plan reflects the administration’s resolve to deliver on its promises as resources allow.

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“Our 2025 budget prioritises the completion of key infrastructural projects while funding new initiatives such as 250 mass housing units and inner roads for the Smart City project,” Abdulrazaq said.

Other projects earmarked for funding include the reconstruction of Lafiagi and Offa stadia, the development of roads in Kwara South, North, and Central, and the construction of a multi-storey courthouse, billed as the best of its kind in northern Nigeria.

The budget dedicates 32.5% to social protection programmes, targeting vulnerable populations with initiatives aimed at reducing poverty and empowering youth and women. The education sector is allocated 16.2%, with plans to launch a new university of education while strengthening existing institutions. Health receives 10.56%, focusing on improving access and services across the state.

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The Ministry of Works and Transport takes 17.51% of the budget to support ongoing road construction and maintenance efforts, which remain central to the state’s infrastructural development goals.

“Our budget is not just a ritual,” the Governor stated. “It reflects our commitment to delivering on promises. The 2024 budget brought significant improvements across sectors, including infrastructure, healthcare, education, and social protection.”

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Governor Abdulrazaq highlighted the strides made in 2024, including support for 171,649 farmers, investments in irrigation systems, and the distribution of ₦2.2 billion worth of farm inputs. He also pointed to the provision of free education for over 66,000 entrance exam candidates and nearly 70,000 vulnerable citizens who benefitted from social protection programmes, including urban renewal initiatives.

“In the healthcare sector, 15,000 indigent residents accessed free medical interventions,” he added. “Our urban renewal programme has transformed Ilorin into a modern city with improved infrastructure and restored law and order.”

Abdulrazaq also celebrated his administration’s fiscal prudence, revealing that the state’s debt had decreased from ₦109.16 billion in December 2023 to ₦58.87 billion by the third quarter of 2024.

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“We achieved unprecedented investments in physical infrastructure and social welfare while reducing our debt burden significantly,” the Governor said, thanking lawmakers, traditional rulers, and other stakeholders for their support.

The 2025 budget is based on oil price projections of $75 per barrel, a daily oil production target of 2.06 million barrels, and a GDP growth rate of 6.4%. Funding sources include FAAC receipts, which account for 48.1%, alongside internally generated revenue (IGR), capital receipts, and an opening balance of ₦62 billion, making up the remaining 51.9%.

Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu praised the Governor’s transparency, accountability, and dedication to completing legacy projects, assuring him of prompt consideration of the budget.

“Your administration’s investment in counterpart funding for development partners has greatly enhanced our standing in education, health, and agriculture,” the Speaker said. “As legislators, we will ensure a thorough review of the document during defence sessions.”

Danladi-Salihu expressed confidence in the administration’s ability to deliver dividends of democracy across all sectors, pledging continued legislative support for development efforts.