The 2025 Jigawa state budget promises to address many gray areas hitherto abandoned in the past. BAYO MUHAMMAD ALABIRA reports.
Jigawa state government has taken a significant leap towards achieving its development goals with the recent passage of 2025 budget by the state assembly and its subsequent signing into law by Governor Malam Umar Namadi.
The budget tagged, ‘Innovation and Transformation for Greater Jigawa’, totals N698.3 billion, is the largest ever earmarked by the state.
The 2025 budget proposal is about 82 percent higher than the total appropriation in the 2024 fiscal year which was N383.55 billion.
Budget details
While highlighting the budget, the commissioner for budget and economic planning, Hon Babangida Umar Gantsa, said the 2025 appropriation is unique and is the largest ever in the history of the state with over 76% dedicated to capital projects.
He said this significant allocation is expected to drive transformation of all kinds and innovation of all sorts in key sectors with direct bearings on the lives of citizens of the state such as agriculture, education and healthcare.
Gantsa further explained that the budget cycle, which began in September 2024, involved extensive deliberations and presentations by various stakeholders, Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Speaking further he said, “Governor Malam Umar Namadi’s administration has demonstrated its commitment to transparency and accountability throughout the budget processes.
“A key highlight of the budget is the allocation of N534.76 billion to capital expenditure, representing 76% of the total budget. This significant investment is expected to drive economic growth and developments in the state.
“The education sector has received a substantial allocation of N184 billion, representing over 26.4% of the budget. This investment is also expected to transform the education sector and improve outcomes for students,” he added.
He stated that agriculture, being a critical sector in the state, with over 90% of the state’s population engaged in farming activities, has also received significant attention in the budget with N136 billion.
Gantsa stressed that the budget allocation is expected to support agricultural development and improve the livelihoods of farmers across the state.
He said the healthcare sector also received a significant allocation, with over N40 billion dedicated to improving healthcare infrastructure and services across the 27 local government areas of the state.
The commissioner said this giant stride is expected to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce mortality rates of the infants and pregnant women in the state, saying the total recurrent expenditure amounts to about N149.75 billion representing over 21.4 percent of the total proposed estimate.
“In addition to these key sectors, the budget also allocates significant funds to other critical areas, including infrastructure development, economic empowerment, and environmental protection.
“The passage of the 2025 budget marks a significant milestone in the state’s development journey to greatness.
“With this budget’s focus on innovation and transformation, it is expected to drive economic growth, improve living standards and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the state,” he said.
Gantsa noted that the budget was prepared based on realistic assumptions, including crude oil production and exchange rate projections, saying the approach is expected to ensure the budget’s sustainability and effectiveness.
According to him, the successful passage of the budget is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the state government, the state assembly and other critical stakeholders.
He noted that as the state moves forward with the implementation of the budget, it is essential to ensure transparency, accountability and effective monitoring and evaluation.
With its focus on key sectors and commitment to transparency and accountability, the budget, he said is expected to drive and stimulate economic growth with new investments hope to be created across the state.
Gantsa ensured that as the state embarks on this new journey, it is essential to ensure that the budget is implemented effectively and efficiently to benefit of all.
The commissioner observed that success require the collective efforts of all stakeholders, including the state government, state assembly and the citizens of the state.
“The future of Jigawa state looks bright and the 2025 budget is a significant step towards achieving the state’s development goals. With the budget now signed into law, the state can move forward with implementing its provisions.
“The people of Jigawa state can look forward to improved living standards, better infrastructure and enhanced economic opportunities,” Gantsa stated.
He further noted that the budget is a huge hope and potential for the people of Jigawa because the state is committed to transparency and accountability to ensure effective and efficient implentation.
In corroboration
In reaction, Alhaji Musa Aliyu a citizen of Jigawa said his expectations of the 2025 budget are overwhelmingly positive, saying the budget is designed to drive economic growth, improve infrastructure and enhance the overall quality of life for ordinary citizen.
According to him, the budget of 2025 reflects the present government commitment, with a huge allocations for education, healthcare and infrastructure development.
“As we delved deeper into the details of the budget, it became clear to us that the state government is taking a proactive approach to addressing the needs of its citizens.
“For investing in renewable energy and improving access to clean water, the 2025 budget is packed with initiatives that promise to make a real difference in people’s lives.
“I couldn’t help but feel a sense of optimism about the future of Jigawa state. With a budget that prioritises the needs of its citizens, it’s clear that the state is on the right track,” Aliyu concluded.