Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf has officially signed the 2025 Appropriation Bill, which amounts to ₦719.76 billion, marking a significant increase over the initial proposal presented to the state legislature. This newly approved budget reflects the government's commitment to enhancing the lives of its citizens through various developmental priorities.
On November 8, 2024, Governor Yusuf had introduced the proposed budget of ₦549.76 billion to the Kano State House of Assembly, but it was later revised following public demand and legislative scrutiny. The Assembly’s approval came on December 31, effectively allowing the budget to commence on January 1, 2025, as stated by Governor Yusuf at the signing ceremony.
The Speaker of the Kano State House of Assembly, Jibril Ismail Falgore, noted the revised budget underwent thorough evaluations, which led to its increase of ₦170 billion. The total expected receipts for the upcoming fiscal year are estimated to be ₦549.16 billion, with about 13.8% expected to come from internally generated revenue (IGR), summing up to approximately ₦75.72 billion.
The budget comprises two main components: recurrent expenditure amounting to ₦262.67 billion, accounting for 36%, and capital expenditure, which stands at ₦457.08 billion, making up 64%. Governor Yusuf outlined the budget, calling it the “Budget of Hope, Human Capital, and Economic Development,” emphasizing its aim to improve education quality, healthcare accessibility, infrastructure, security, and agricultural development, all with the overarching goal of alleviating poverty and fostering economic growth.
During the signing ceremony, Governor Yusuf expressed his gratitude to the members of the Kano State House of Assembly for their hard work and dedication. He praised their commitment to timely deliberation, which underscored the importance of the budget for the Kano populace. The governor stated, “This budget aims to empower communities and stimulate economic growth. It prioritizes education, healthcare delivery, agriculture, and social welfare so as to address poverty and create opportunities for all, especially the younger generation.”
The backing for this increased budget came on the heels of public hearings held to collect feedback from citizens and other stakeholders, indicating significant community engagement and concern. Falgore pointed out the importance of this public feedback during deliberations, stressing how it influenced the approved budget size. He remarked, “These developments bring the new budget size to stand at ₦719.76 billion,” reiterably confirming the justification for the increased funding.
Key areas of focus within the budget are directed toward scaffolding the educational sector, often viewed as the backbone for long-term development. The Governor's commitment to education is reflected not only through substantial funding but also as part of the strategic initiatives aimed at reshaping the future of Kano's youth.
Beyond education, the budget also earmarks funds for significant infrastructural developments, which are pivotal for boosting economic activities and creating job opportunities for the unemployed, particularly the youth. Governor Yusuf emphasized the budget's alignment with broader developmental goals, portraying it as fundamental to enhancing quality of life for the citizens of Kano.
The public's response to previous fiscal decisions and the Assembly’s actions showcase heightened awareness and participation, signifying citizens' hopes for tangible improvements following the enactment of the new budget. This initiative by the Kano State government appears to be not just about numbers, but about the values they represent and the lives they aim to transform.
Notably, there are now ambitious targets for poverty reduction strategies and resources allocated for rural development initiatives. Governor Yusuf has rallied all relevant ministries and departments to use the budget resources effectively, maximizing the outcomes for the residents of Kano State.
With the 2025 budget now legally recognized, the government has ushered the state toward potential socioeconomic revitalization, capturing the aspirations of its citizenry and structuring plans to tackle prevailing issues such as unemployment, lack of access to healthcare, and inadequate educational facilities.
Governor Yusuf concluded the signing ceremony with appreciation for the public and civil societies who previously advocated for increased budgeting, acknowledging their role as instrumental to the budget's ratification. This collective effort highlights the democratic essence of governance as the government seeks to create avenues for continuous interaction with the populace.
Looking forward, the successful implementation of this budget could forge partnerships within communities, invigorate local economies, and set operational standards for fiscal prudence and transparency. The commitment to human capital development, especially for the youth, could redefine the social and economic fabric of Kano State.