Bauchi State Governor, Senator Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, on Friday signed into law the 2025 Appropriation Bill after it was passed by the state House of Assembly, which increased the total amount by N2 billion .
The state budget for 2025 amounts to 467,855,248,317.12which the Governor announced would go into effect on January 1, 2025.
Furthermore, the Governor enacted the Bauchi State Water Users Act, passed by the State House of Assembly to regulate and improve water management and availability in the state.
Speaking immediately after the signing of the two bills, which were presented to him by the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Suleiman, the Governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to the growth and development of Bauchi State.
The Governor commended the Legislature for the swift approval of the budget, assuring that his administration would ensure full implementation of the document to provide greater dividends of democracy to the people of the state.
Bala Mohammed supported the House of Assembly's decision to increase the size of the budget, stating that the adjustment was necessary to expand the reach of government projects and programs to more communities and individuals across the state.
The Governor commented: “I have followed the legislative process for the budget. All relevant MDAs were invited to defend and explain their proposals before the House Appropriations Committee. “I was impressed.”
Regarding the Bauchi State Water Users Act, the Governor highlighted the importance of water, describing it as essential to life. He highlighted the administration's substantial investment in revitalizing the water sector for the benefit of the people.
He affirmed his administration's commitment to ensuring the judicious and effective management of safe and clean drinking water as part of its responsibilities to citizens.
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The Governor stated: “The 2025 budget outlines our clear path toward achieving our bold vision for the development of our state and its citizens.”
He added: “Over the past five years, we have made significant progress in delivering services and improving infrastructure that positively impact the lives and well-being of our people.”
Looking ahead, he said: “We look forward to implementing the 2025 budget over the next year and remain committed to investing in the development of the critical infrastructure necessary to grow our economy.”
He also emphasized the administration's focus on developing the state's human capital by prioritizing education, healthcare delivery, and the provision of essential social services.
“This includes plans to boost agricultural production, improve trade and attract investors. We have defined our priorities and established viable plans to achieve our objectives. Self-assessment and frequent reviews will be part of this effort,” he highlighted.
The Governor concluded by urging his team to work harder and noted that performance reviews would be conducted more frequently.
After completing his legislative duties, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Sulaiman, led senior officials to present the 2025 Appropriation Bill for the Governor's approval, aligning with the administration's fiscal cycle from January to December.
The president explained that the House had increased the budget by more than 465 billion naira to 467 billion naira to accommodate the state's development needs following comprehensive legislative reviews.
Abubakar Suleiman emphasized that the House, through various committees, meticulously reviewed the budget proposal to ensure adequate allocation of resources across all sectors.
He stated that the 2 billion naira The increase reflected the House's commitment to transparency and its oversight role, adding: “This adjustment was made after careful scrutiny of the budget.”
The Speaker assured the Governor and the people of Bauchi State that the House would always grant legislative approvals promptly and efficiently.
Regarding the Water Users Law, he noted: “The law establishes a framework for the sustainable management of water resources. “Access to clean, safe water is essential to the well-being of residents.”
And he added: “This law empowers local communities to participate in water management, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.”
Both laws, he concluded, are essential to promote good governance, transparency and accountability in the financial and resource management of the State.
The Speaker commended Governor Bala Mohammed for fostering a strong working relationship between the Executive, Legislative and Judicial arms of government in the state, pledging loyalty and support.
It is worth recalling that Governor Bala Mohammed presented the 2025 Budget Appropriation Bill to the Bauchi State House of Assembly for consideration and approval at the end of November.