By; MOHAMMED KAWU, Bauchi
The sum of N202,641,558,614.46k has been proposed by Bauchi State Government for both recurrent and capital expenditure during the 2023 fiscal year, Governor Bala Mohammed has revealed.
The amount is made up of recurrent expenditure of the sum of N87, 923, 242, 953. 50 representing 43 percent of the total expenditure, and the sum N114, 714, 515, 650. 97k as capital expenditure, representing 57percent of the budget size.
Presenting the expenditure proposal to the State House of Assembly in Bauchi, Governor Bala Mohammed revealed that 2023 budget is 2.6 percent higher than the 2022 budget which was N195, 355,607, 143.
The Governor attributed the rise in the 2023 budget to inflationary trend in the country that align to the state projections with the current economic realities, which comparative approach was adopted to ensure the projects and programmes captured are approximately costed to ensure smooth implementation.
He explained that the process for 2023 budget preparations are all inclusive as public hearings were conducted in the state three senatorial districts with inputs from stakeholders were incorporated into the budget.
Senator Bala Mohammed gave a recurrent revenue estimate of N125, 466, 076, 852. 47k, which is made up of Internally Generated Revenue of N22, 568, 112, 141.06k; statutory allocation of N51, 909, 072, 251. 01k; and VAT of N35, 218, 892, 496.40k.
The Governor also gave a recurrent estimate of N87, 923, 242, 963. 50k was earmarked for recurrent expenditure, which is also made up of personnel cost of N41, 547, 559, 85. 12k, Overhead cost of N46, 375, 673, 105. 38k.
Mohammed then solicited the continuous support and cooperation of the Legislature as usual in the drive towards the development of the state and in improving the lives of its citizens to which the administration has made significant progress.
He stated, “As we go into the process of electioneering, I want to use this opportunity to urge our citizens to make the right judgment in exercising their franchise. The peace, security and rights of others to express their will is guaranteed under the Constitution and must be allowed to work”.
Responding to the budget presentation on behalf of the legislators, the House Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Yakubu Suleiman observed that it is the last time of the first tenure the House would receive the appropriation bill from the Executive arm of government.
The speaker explained that one of major duties of the legislators as enshrined the Constitution is the scrutiny and passage of annual budgets which is key to the growth and development of the state.
He therefore assured the governor that the House, like in the past three years, would give the 2023 budget careful and speedy consideration, and subsequently pass it into law before the end of the year so that implementation would commence in earnest at the beginning of the year 2023
He noted that despite its dwindling financial position, the state has in the last three years under Governor Bala Mohammed able leadership witnessed an unprecedented transformation infrastructure, health, education, empowerment and all sectors and institutions.
The Speaker attributed the feat to Governor Bala doggedness and commitment towards fulfilling his campaign promises to the people of the state despite these challenges, and appreciated and commended the House members for their patriotism and mutual cooperation without which, I believe, the successes recorded could not have been achieved.
“Bauchi State House of Assembly has provided all the necessary support and legislative backing to virtually all policies and programmes initiated by the present administration. We have equally passed into law many life touching laws and resolutions in order to better the lives of the people of the State”, Suleiman concluded
