Nasarawa State’s 2025 budget has undergone a significant revision, demonstrating the state government’s commitment to fiscal responsibility and responsiveness to evolving economic realities. Initially proposed at N382.5 billion by Governor Abdullahi Sule under the banner of “Budget of Economic Growth and Stability,” the appropriation bill experienced an initial increase to N402.5 billion during the House of Assembly’s deliberations. However, recognizing the potential strain on the state’s revenue projections, the executive branch recommended a downward adjustment. This led to an emergency sitting of the House, culminating in the final approval of a revised budget totaling N384.3 billion. This reduction reflects a pragmatic approach to budgeting, prioritizing achievable targets and sustainable fiscal management.
The decision to revise the budget downwards underscores the Nasarawa State government’s commitment to aligning its financial plans with realistic revenue expectations. The Speaker of the House, Danladi Jatau, articulated the rationale behind the reduction, citing the importance of achieving at least 85% budget performance to qualify for transparency grants. This emphasis on performance-based budgeting highlights the state’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the utilization of public funds. Furthermore, the Speaker acknowledged the anticipated impact of the Federal Government’s ongoing tax reforms on the revenue inflow of Northern states, including Nasarawa. This proactive consideration of external economic factors demonstrates a prudent approach to financial planning.
Beyond the national tax reforms, Speaker Jatau also pointed to the potential effects of adjustments to international intervention programs as contributing factors to the budget revision. This acknowledgment of the interconnectedness of global and local economies further underscores the comprehensive approach taken by the state government in its fiscal planning. The final approved budget allocates N160.6 billion to recurrent expenditure, encompassing essential government operations and services, while N223.6 billion is earmarked for capital expenditure, focusing on infrastructure development and long-term investments. This balanced allocation reflects the government’s commitment to both immediate needs and future growth.
The legislative process surrounding the budget revision showcased a collaborative effort between the executive and legislative branches. The House of Assembly demonstrated its commitment to the state’s welfare by suspending their holiday recess to address this critical matter. This dedication to public service underlines the shared responsibility felt by the state’s elected officials in ensuring the sound financial management of public resources. Members of the House expressed their support for the revised budget, emphasizing its importance for the socio-economic well-being of the state. This bipartisan consensus reflects a shared understanding of the budget’s crucial role in driving progress and development within Nasarawa State.
The passage of the revised budget also highlights the efficient functioning of the legislative process in Nasarawa State. The Majority Leader, Suleiman Azara, initiated the motion for the bill’s third reading, seconded by the Minority Leader, Luka Zhekaba. This collaborative approach, transcending party lines, demonstrates a unified commitment to the state’s best interests. The unanimous approval of the budget underscores the shared vision and collaborative spirit within the House of Assembly. This decisive action ensures the timely implementation of the budget, allowing the government to effectively deliver on its promises to the people of Nasarawa State.
Following the passage of the bill, Speaker Jatau directed the Clerk of the House to prepare a clean copy for Governor Sule’s assent, marking the final step in the budget approval process. This swift and efficient handling of the legislative procedures underscores the commitment of both the executive and legislative branches to ensuring the timely implementation of the 2025 budget. The revised budget, now poised for implementation, represents a carefully considered and strategically crafted financial plan, designed to navigate the complexities of the current economic landscape while prioritizing the needs of the people of Nasarawa State. This careful recalibration reflects a dedication to fiscal prudence and responsible governance, setting the stage for a year of sustainable economic growth and stability in the state.
