4th December, 2024
By Adejoke Monsurat
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill of ₦1,054,542,020,147.47 before the State House of Assembly.
The budget comprises ₦453.56 billion for recurrent expenditure and ₦600.98 billion for capital expenditure.
Abiodun also commissioned the newly redesigned State Assembly Complex, a 45-year-old building, before presenting the budget.
The 2025 budget, dubbed the “Budget of Hope and Prosperity,” was introduced during a plenary session presided over by Speaker Rt. Hon. Oludaisi Elemide.
The proposed budget allocates ₦120.14 billion for personnel costs, ₦37.49 billion for consolidated revenue, and ₦76.07 billion for public debt charges.
Overhead costs are set at ₦219.86 billion, with ₦600.98 billion earmarked for capital expenditure.
Sectoral Breakdown
The Governor outlined sectoral allocations, with the education sector receiving the highest share at ₦177.835 billion (17%).
The health sector was allocated ₦134.538 billion (13%), and housing & community development will receive ₦66.382 billion (6%). Agriculture and industry will benefit from ₦65.38 billion (6%), while infrastructure has been allocated ₦284.4 billion (27%).
Other sectors include recreation, culture, and religion (₦25.27 billion), social protection (₦39.83 billion), and public services such as security, judiciary, and the legislature.
Strategic Goals and Vision
In his explanation, Abiodun emphasised that the 2025 budget aims to address the State’s challenges through sustainable strategies.
He said the budget aligned with Ogun State’s Economic Development Plan (2021–2025), focusing on fiscal sustainability, human development, food security, a favorable business climate, and industrialisation, with particular emphasis on Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
“As the sixth budget of this administration, the 2025 Appropriation Bill, titled ‘Budget of Hope and Prosperity,’ reflects the need for inclusive and sustainable growth,” Abiodun said.
He added that the budget prioritised infrastructure, healthcare, housing, security, education, youth empowerment, job creation, and agriculture, alongside policies to stimulate economic recovery.
The Governor further stated that the budget would balance fiscal responsibility with public service delivery, addressing immediate concerns like unemployment and poverty, while investing in long-term growth.
2024 Budget Performance
Reviewing the 2024 budget, Abiodun reported that the State had achieved 79% of its revenue target and 56% of its expenditure target, highlighting the State’s fiscal reliability and optimistic outlook for the future.
Speaker’s Remarks
In his opening speech, Speaker Elemide expressed gratitude for the renovation of the State Assembly Complex and other infrastructure projects that had enhanced the working conditions of lawmakers. He reiterated the importance of the Appropriation Bill in ensuring the effective allocation and use of public funds.
Elemide commended the ongoing legacy projects, including the Agro Cargo International Airport, Remo Special Agro-industrial Processing Zone, and the Kajola Free Export Processing Zone. He also noted that in the past 18 months, the Assembly had passed nine out of 14 bills and passed 32 motions into resolutions.
He called for the establishment of a Special Court to enforce the Anti-Land Grabbing Law, noting that land disputes accounted for over 80% of petitions received by the Assembly. The Speaker also requested financial autonomy for the State Legislature to improve its efficiency.
Commitment to Socio-Economic Development
Elemide assured that the Assembly would work diligently to ensure the timely passage of the Appropriation Bill and monitor its implementation.
He also stressed the Assembly’s commitment to supporting other arms of government to ensure peace, security, and the welfare of the people.
Dignitaries at the budget presentation included Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, Secretary to the State Government Mr. Tokunbo Talabi, former Deputy Governors Senator Shefiu Kaka and Yetunde Onanuga, and various other state officials and traditional rulers.
