By Yusuf Ishaku Goje
Kaduna State Governor, Senator Uba Sani, has signed the 2025 budget into law, a whopping N790.43 billion, just ten days after presenting the proposal to the State House of Assembly. This swift approval by the State Assembly has raised eyebrows, sparking concerns about the thoroughness of legislative scrutiny carried-out. A discussion for another day.
The approved 2025 budget for Kaduna State maintains the same total amount as the proposed budget, but with some notable adjustments. Specifically, the recurrent expenditure has decreased by 3.78%, from N248.24 billion in the proposed budget to N238.85 billion in the approved budget. This reduction indicates a shift in budget allocation priorities.
A closer look at the 2025 budget for Kaduna State reveals some interesting adjustments. Personnel costs saw a slight increase of 0.62%, while other overhead costs and non-debt recurrent expenditures were reduced by 6.01% and 10.55%, respectively. Debt service remained unchanged.
On the other hand, capital expenditure received a boost, increasing by 1.73% from N542.19 billion to N551.58 billion. This shift also led to an increase in capital expenditure’s share of the state’s total budget, rising from 68.57% to 69.78%.
Similarly, the budget reveals some intriguing adjustments in its revenue projections. Despite total revenue, recurrent revenue, Government share of FAAC, and independent revenue remaining unchanged, the opening balance saw a significant 8.58% increase from N75.09 billion to N81.54 billion.
On the other hand, other receipts took a hit, decreasing by 2.45%. A closer look shows that aid and grants remained steady, but capital development fund receipts dipped by 3.06%, from N210.41 billion to N203.96 billion.
The State’s climate budget for 2025 has seen a marginal increase of 0.177% to N113.33 billion, up from N113.13 billion. The biggest contributor to this increase is the allocation for climate mitigation, which rose by 0.335%.
Interestingly, capital expenditure for climate mitigation also saw a slight bump of 0.343%, while climate adaptation funding remained unchanged. This subtle shift in budget allocation reflects the state’s commitment to addressing climate change and its impacts.
The budget allocations for key sub-sectors have been adjusted, with notable increases in Public Works & Infrastructure (2.30%), Human Services & Social Development (0.402%), and Environment & Natural Resources (4.95%). Meanwhile, allocations for agriculture, education, and health remain unchanged, with the state, commendably, sustaining benchmark allocations for education and health.
Now that the Kaduna State budget has been approved and signed into law, it’s crucial for residents to take ownership of its implementation to ensure meaningful development outcomes. This entails strict adherence to procurement processes, timely cash-backed releases, and value for money during execution.
By doing so, the budget can effectively address pressing issues in health, education, infrastructure, poverty, and unemployment, ultimately improving the lives of Kaduna State residents.
Lets engage, ask the right questions and hold the government accountable.
Goje is an active citizen, civil society member and OGP enthusiast
