From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill worth N540.37 billion to the state House of Assembly, emphasising infrastructure development, social protection, and youth empowerment.
Capital expenditure dominates the budget at 62.1%, while recurrent spending takes 37.9%, reflecting the administration’s focus on completing ongoing projects and launching new initiatives.
“This budget reflects our commitment to delivering on promises as resources permit,” the Governor said during the presentation.
“Major infrastructural projects like the international conference center, innovation hub, and road networks across Kwara South, North, and Central will be completed. New projects include 250 mass housing units, access roads for the smart city, and multi-story courthouse construction.
Sports Development: Reconstruction of the stadia in Offa and Lafiagi has been prioritized.
Social Protection: Over 32.5% of the budget targets youth and women empowerment and poverty alleviation.
Education and Health: These sectors receive 16.2% and 10.56% respectively, with plans to operationalize the new university of education and strengthen existing institutions.
Agriculture and Transport: The Ministry of Works and Transport is allocated 17.51% to sustain road construction and maintenance, while mechanized agriculture will be strengthened with modern equipment.
The Governor cited achievements under the 2024 budget, which included supporting over 171,000 farmers, providing N2.2 billion worth of farm inputs, funding exams for over 180,000 students, and offering free medical interventions to 15,000 indigent residents.”
Governor AbdulRazaq highlighted his administration’s fiscal discipline, noting a reduction in the state’s debt burden to N58.87 billion from N109.16 billion in December 2023.
“Despite unprecedented investment in infrastructure and social welfare, we have also significantly reduced our debt profile,” he said.
Speaker Yakubu Danladi-Salihu praised the administration for its transparency and commitment to development.
“Your administration is focused on completing legacy projects and providing dividends of democracy to every part of the state,” he remarked, assuring swift legislative action on the budget.
“The budget is based on projected oil prices of $75 per barrel, daily production of 2.06 million barrels, and 6.4% GDP growth. Funding sources include FAAC receipts (48.1%) and internally generated revenue (IGR) alongside other capital receipts (51.9%).”
The session, attended by traditional rulers, party leaders, and senior government officials, featured praises for the administration’s achievements.
APC Chairman Prince Sunday Fagbemi led the party delegation, while the Olupo of Ajase-Ipo represented the Emir of Ilorin.
Governor AbdulRazaq concluded by thanking stakeholders for their support and reaffirming his commitment to the prosperity of Kwara State.
