Bauchi State Governor, Sen. Bala Mohammed Abdulkadir, on Friday signed the 2025 Budget Appropriation Bill into law after it was passed by the State House of Assembly, which increased the total amount by N2 billion.
The 2025 budget for the state amounts to N467,855,248,317.12, which the Governor announced would take effect from January 1, 2025.
Additionally, the Governor signed into law the Bauchi State Water Users Law, passed by the State House of Assembly to regulate and improve water management and availability in the state.
Speaking immediately after signing 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 passage of the budget, assuring that his administration would ensure the 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 budget size, 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 remarked:
“I have followed the legislative process for the budget. Every relevant MDA was invited to defend and provide explanations on their proposals before the House Committee on Appropriation. I was impressed.”
Regarding the Bauchi State Water Users Law, the Governor emphasized the importance of water, describing it as essential for 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 the citizens.
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The Governor stated:
“The 2025 budget outlines our clear pathway 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 impacts the lives and welfare of our people.”
Looking ahead, he stated:
“We look forward to implementing the 2025 budget over the next year and remain committed to investing in the development of critical infrastructure needed to grow our economy.”
He also emphasized the administration’s focus on developing the state’s human capital through prioritizing education, healthcare delivery, and the provision of essential social services.
“This includes plans to boost agricultural production, enhance commerce, and attract investors. We have defined our priorities and set actionable plans to achieve our goals. Self-assessment and frequent reviews will be part of this effort,” he stressed.
The Governor concluded by urging his team to work harder, noting that performance reviews would be conducted more frequently.
After completing its legislative duties, the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Abubakar Y. Sulaiman, led the Principal Officers to present the 2025 Budget Appropriation Bill for the Governor’s assent, aligning with the administration’s January-to-December fiscal cycle.
The Speaker explained that the House had raised the budget from over N465 billion to N467 billion to accommodate the developmental needs of the state following comprehensive legislative reviews.
Abubakar Suleiman emphasized that the House, through various committees, meticulously reviewed the budget proposal to ensure adequate resource allocation across all sectors.
He stated that the N2 billion increase reflected the House’s commitment to transparency and its oversight function, 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 deliver legislative approvals promptly and efficiently.
On the Water Users Law, he noted:
“The law establishes a framework for the sustainable management of water resources. Access to clean and safe water is critical to the well-being of residents.”
He added:
“This law empowers local communities to participate in water management, fostering a sense of ownership and responsibility.”
Both laws, he concluded, are instrumental in promoting good governance, transparency, and accountability in the state’s financial and resource management.
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 passage in late November.
