Olu Samuel, Lokoja

Kogi State governor, Ahmed Usman Ododo has presented a budget proposal the total sum of 582,404 ,119, 489.00 before the State House of Assembly for approval .

The Budget which was tagged “budget of Inclusive Development” was divided into the Recurrent expenditure, N279,590,,215, 687, 48.% and capital expenditure,N302,813,903,802 representing 51.99% bringing the total to N582,404 ,119, 489.00.

The budget presentation was carried out at a special sitting if the Assembly on Tuesday in Lokoja.

In a speech to announce the budget proposal,the governor said that the budget was designed to ensure prompt payment of contractor and workers of Al categories in the state.

“This administration is commited to completing every project in the 21 local government areas of the state. We will ensure prompt payment of all contractors commissioned

to work ,noting that the present government will continue to cut the cost of government and ensure that the people are the ultimate beneficiaries of the resources.

Ododo highlighted some of the objectives as, to improve the quality of education at all levels and make it functional and accessible to citizens, to produce articulate and skilled manpower necessary for economic transformation of the State.

To Improve access to healthcare leading to improvement in efficiency of the healthcare delivery system and ensure food security and generate a high proportion of the GDP from agriculture.

The Governor also disclosed that the budget will ensure the continued implementation of the N72,500 minimum wage to civil servants which commenced in October 2024.

“We are very hopeful that the enhanced salaries for civil servants will not only find expression in the quality of service delivery but will have a multiplier effect on the state

The governor therefore tasked the state assembly members on quick deliberation and approval for the over all development of Kogi State economy and positively impact the quality of life of the people.