By Adeyemi Adekunle
Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed presented a comprehensive budget proposal of ₦N465 billion for the 2025 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly. Dubbed “Consolidation and Sustainable Development,” this proposal seeks to address the deep-seated issues of inflation, unemployment, and poverty that persistently plague the state and the nation at large.
The governor’s budget announcement, delivered on Thursday, highlighted a significant increase of 18% over the previous year’s allocation, signaling the administration’s commitment to fostering growth and development in a time of economic uncertainty. With an allocation of ₦N182.74 billion, or 39.3% of the total budget, earmarked for recurrent expenditure, and ₦N282.34 billion (60.7%) set aside for capital projects, the proposal emphasizes a dual approach to governance focusing on sustainable operational costs alongside vital infrastructure development.
Governor Mohammed attributed the optimistic projections of the 2025 budget to a targeted crude oil production rate of 2 million barrels per day and an exchange rate pegged at $1 to ₦1,400. However, he did not shy away from addressing the stark realities faced by the populace, citing an alarming inflation rate of 32.7% in September 2024 that has decimated purchasing power and crippled local businesses. Over 200 businesses reportedly shuttered in the past year alone, exacerbating the already pressing issues of unemployment and poverty.
“While we have witnessed some level of economic growth and improvements in oil production, we must confront the persistent challenges head-on,” Governor Mohammed stated, emphasizing his administration’s dedication to tackling these concerns with earnest resolve. He called for a collaborative effort from the Federal Government, beseeching for better support measures that include cash assistance and food relief programs to aid struggling citizens.
In his address, the governor underscored the critical necessity for public-private partnerships to invigorate key sectors such as agriculture and exports, which are instrumental in fostering economic resilience. “Together, we can create a formidable framework for sustainable development that benefits all citizens and rebuilds the trust that has been eroded over the years,” he urged.
The governor’s plea for reforms extended to the realm of taxation and public spending, advocating for a fairer tax system that considers the plight of vulnerable Nigerians. He stressed the importance of empathy in policymaking, asserting that reforms should not only address economic metrics but also the lived experiences of the state’s less fortunate residents.
Acknowledging the collaborative spirit between the executive and legislative branches, Speaker of the Assembly, Abubakar Sulaiman, pledged a thorough and expedited review of the budget proposal. He commended Governor Mohammed for the strategic foresight embedded in the budget, reassuring the public that the Assembly remains committed to aligning resources with the pressing needs of the citizens.
As Bauchi State navigates through a period marked by economic pressures and social discontent, the 2025 budget proposal emerges as a beacon of hope, positioning the state on a path toward recovery and sustainable development. With its ambitious targets and a framework for collaboration, the proposed budget aims to lay a robust foundation that could usher in transformative changes for the people of Bauchi.
In a climate where economic concerns loom large, the governor’s vision may serve as a crucial stepping stone toward revitalizing the state’s economy and improving the quality of life for its residents.
