By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja
Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has presented a budget proposal of N582,404,119,489.00 to the State House of Assembly for approval.
During the presentation on Tuesday, the governor urged the assembly members to deliberate and approve the budget promptly to foster the overall development of Kogi State. He also informed the assembly that an executive bill regarding the state’s 32-year economic plan would be presented shortly.
The 2025 budget, dubbed the “Budget of Inclusive Development,” is divided into recurrent expenditure, which amounts to N279,590,215,687.48 (48%), and capital expenditure, which totals N302,813,903,802 (51.99%). Together, they form a total of N582,404,119,489.00.
Governor Ododo reassured the legislature of his administration’s commitment to completing all ongoing projects in the 21 local government areas of the state. He emphasized that contractors engaged in state projects would be paid, adding that his government would continue to reduce the cost of governance and ensure the people are the ultimate beneficiaries of state resources.
The governor highlighted key objectives, including improving the quality of education at all levels, making it more accessible, and producing skilled manpower for the state’s economic transformation. He also emphasized improving healthcare access, enhancing the efficiency of the healthcare system, and ensuring food security to boost agriculture’s contribution to the state’s GDP.
Earlier, in his address, the Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Umar Aliyu Yusuf, expressed appreciation for the governor’s commitment to fulfilling the expectations of the state legislature. He particularly acknowledged the governor’s assurance of providing buses to ease daily transportation for assembly members and the provision of backup and escort vehicles for the leadership of the house.
Yusuf also expressed gratitude for the ongoing construction of a 4km road within the Assembly Quarters, which will be equipped with street lighting for security and accessibility. He further appreciated the governor’s support for capacity building for the management and staff of the State House of Assembly and for providing opportunities for members to attend official and personal matters both within and outside the country.
“We are deeply appreciative of Your Excellency’s efforts in ensuring effective legislative service in Kogi State,” the Speaker stated.
