By Aminu Adamu
Yola, Adamawa State – December 16, 2024 .In a significant step toward advancing Adamawa State’s development agenda, Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the Adamawa State House of Assembly.
The “Budget of Service”, valued at ₦486.2 billion, aims to address critical infrastructural deficits, bolster social services, and ensure inclusive growth for the state.
Speaking to the Assembly, Governor Fintiri expressed his satisfaction at fulfilling the constitutional obligation mandated by Section 121 of the 1999 Constitution. He emphasized that this is his fifth budget presentation since assuming office and the second under the current Assembly leadership. The governor highlighted the importance of this annual exercise in aligning state priorities with the aspirations of the people.
“This budget embodies our commitment to dignity, welfare, and livelihoods through social and physical infrastructure,” he remarked. “It reflects the needs of our people and the investments required to meet those needs.”
Governor Fintiri revealed that the 2025 budget was the result of extensive consultations and a rigorous review process. Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) were tasked with justifying their allocations and aligning their proposals with the administration’s 8-Point Agenda.
The governor expressed gratitude to the Executive Council for their meticulous work and to the House of Assembly for their responsive legislative efforts.
While Governor Fintiri chose to focus on the future, he briefly touched on the administration’s accomplishments in 2024. The Fintiri Business Wallet empowered 25,000 women and youths, with an additional 60,000 beneficiaries set to receive ₦50,000 each, lifting approximately 425,000 people out of poverty.
Adamawa also became the first state to implement a ₦70,000 minimum wage, coupled with initiatives to digitize government operations for efficiency and transparency. Subsidized Fresh Air buses eased transportation challenges, and significant investments were made in education, healthcare, and rural development.
Key Highlights of the 2025 Budget
The 2025 Appropriation Bill, pegged at ₦486.2 billion, prioritizes infrastructure, social services, and economic empowerment.
Revenue Projections
The budget aligns with macroeconomic indicators, including a benchmark oil price of $80 per barrel and an exchange rate of ₦1,314.94 to $1. Statutory allocations, VAT, capital receipts, and internally generated revenue constitute the primary sources. Key revenue allocations include:
- Statutory Allocation: ₦53 billion (10.9%)
- VAT: ₦91 billion (18.7%)
- Capital Receipts: ₦91.5 billion (18.8%)
Expenditure Breakdown
The proposed budget dedicates 28.23% (₦137.3 billion) to recurrent services and 71.77% (₦349 billion) to capital development. Significant allocations include:
- Ministry of Works and Energy Development: ₦88.9 billion
- Ministry of Education and Human Capital Development: ₦40.4 billion
- Ministry of Health and Human Services: ₦12.6 billion
- Ministry of Agriculture: ₦12.7 billion
Focus Areas and Policy Objectives
Governor Fintiri outlined key objectives for 2025, including:
- Infrastructure Development: Completion of critical projects in education, health, roads, and power to improve living standards.
- Economic Empowerment: Increased support for agriculture, commerce, and small businesses to combat poverty and stimulate growth.
- E-Budgeting Initiative: Transitioning to digital budgeting to reduce costs and enhance efficiency.
- Traditional Institution Reform: Strengthening traditional governance structures to promote social cohesion and enhance security.
- Pension and Gratuity Settlements: Building on progress in offsetting outstanding liabilities for retired civil servants.
Review of 2024 Budget Performance*
The 2024 budget of ₦225.9 billion was later supplemented with an additional ₦55.3 billion, bringing the total to ₦281.1 billion. By September 2024, ₦154.9 billion had been generated and spent, with ₦79.2 billion allocated to capital projects and ₦41.4 billion for overhead costs.
Security and Peacebuilding
Governor Fintiri commended the state’s peaceful atmosphere and reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining security. He emphasized collaboration with stakeholders to create an environment conducive to investment and social activities.
In concluding his address, Governor Fintiri expressed gratitude to the House of Assembly for their partnership in fostering development. “The 2025 budget is crafted to serve our people better,” he said, urging continued collaboration to nurture democracy and deliver on the administration’s vision.
With the “Budget of Service”, Governor Fintiri aims to propel Adamawa State toward sustainable development, ensuring that no one is left behind.
