From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani has presented a budget proposal of N790 billion for 2025, prioritising critical sectors such as infrastructure, human capital development, security, and agriculture.
Governor Sani noted that N206.6 billion has been allocated to education, representing 26.14% of the 2025 budget proposal.
He stated that the draft budget reflects a bold commitment to the future of Kaduna State. Presenting the draft budget at the Kaduna State House of Assembly chambers on Monday, the Governor said his administration adopted a conservative yet strategic approach to resource allocation, given prevailing financial challenges.
The Governor disclosed that N553 billion has been earmarked for capital expenditure, while N237 billion is for recurrent expenditure.
According to him, “The capital allocation reflects our continued focus on infrastructure, with particular emphasis on rural roads, healthcare facilities, education infrastructure, and housing projects. We have deliberately focused on projects that will have a lasting impact on the economic wellbeing of our citizens.”
“This will fund the construction of new schools, the rehabilitation of existing ones, the recruitment and capacity development of teachers, and the provision of learning materials,” he added.
The health sector has been allocated N127 billion, or 16.07% of the budget. Governor Sani explained that this amount will be used to upgrade healthcare facilities, procure medical equipment, and expand mobile healthcare services to ensure no community is left behind in accessing quality healthcare.
The Governor further disclosed that N106 billion, representing 13.14% of the budget, has been allocated to infrastructure, focusing on the completion of ongoing road construction, rural electrification, water supply, and other critical public works across the state.
He said N74 billion, or 9.36% of the budget, will be devoted to agriculture, promising investments in agricultural innovation, support for smallholder farmers, agro-processing, and irrigation projects.
Additionally, N11.2 billion has been allocated for security to enhance the capacity of state security agencies through equipment purchases and support for community policing efforts.
Social welfare has been allocated N9.8 billion, or 1.24% of the budget. This will fund the expansion of social safety nets, including support for the elderly, women, and children, under the Ministry of Human Services and Social Development, as well as other social intervention programmes by the newly created Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs.
The Governor described the budget as a reflection of the state’s determination to drive inclusive development, create jobs, improve infrastructure, and invest in the people of Kaduna State.
He stated that the budget process was consultative, engaging widely with the people to ensure it reflects their aspirations, addresses concerns, and lays a foundation for long-term development.
Governor Sani thanked legislators and stakeholders for their contributions, noting that feedback from town hall meetings, engagements with civil society, and inputs from various sectors helped shape the 2025 draft budget.
He urged the House of Assembly to support the budget, pledging to work together to implement the plans.
Governor Sani also highlighted achievements in 2024, including improvements in safety, infrastructure, housing, trade, agriculture, human capital development, health, and social welfare.
On security, he mentioned the recruitment of 7,000 personnel for the Kaduna Vigilance Service (KADVS), the distribution of 150 Hilux security vehicles and 500 patrol motorcycles, and the construction of the Kaduna State Forensic Laboratory and Training Centre.
The Governor noted progress in conflict-impacted areas, such as Birnin Gwari, Chikun, and Giwa, achieved through peace dialogue efforts. He reopened the strategic Kara Livestock Market in Birnin Gwari and noted the completion of long-abandoned roads in the area.
On housing, the Governor announced partnerships with local and international investors, reducing the state’s housing deficit through projects like the development of 300 housing units at Millennium City and a mass housing initiative at Kaduna Economic City.
Governor Sani revealed that his administration has attracted $503 million in investments, including projects such as Sunagrow International Oil Ltd’s $50 million soya bean oil refining plant and the Special Agricultural Processing Zone (SAPZ) initiative in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB).
Through the Kaduna State Enterprise Development Agency (KADEDA), the government has supported 8,649 nano and micro businesses with grants ranging from N50,000 to N300,000. The A Kori Talauchi programme empowered 4,912 underserved women across the state.
The Governor outlined palliative measures, including the distribution of 128 trucks of rice and maize, N4.2 billion in cash transfers, and N6.6 billion spent on pensions, gratuities, and death benefits. Relief materials were provided to over 40,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs), and 500 individuals were trained in briquette production to reduce charcoal use.