Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State presented a N311 billion appropriation bill for the 2024 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly on Friday.
Breaking down the budget estimate, N111.6 billion, constituting 39.5 percent, was allocated for recurrent expenditure, while N199.9 billion, representing 64.1 percent, was earmarked for capital expenditure.
Governor Kefas outlined the sectoral allocation, highlighting education with the highest allocation of N43.2 billion, accounting for 13.9 percent of the budget. Health followed closely with N33.5 billion, constituting 10.6 percent, and works received an allocation of N24.8 billion, representing 8.0 percent.
The governor emphasized that the budget aligns with the five-finger agenda of his administration, focusing on education, security, women and youth development, infrastructure, and health.
He specifically noted the budget’s emphasis on education, including initiatives such as teachers’ training, school improvements, and various interventions.
Governor Kefas also mentioned a five percent statutory deduction from the state revenue allocated to the ‘Greening Taraba Project,’ aimed at preserving the state’s natural beauty and addressing the impact of climate change.
In response, the Speaker of the House, Kizito Bonzena, acknowledged the positive working relationship between the executive and the legislature. Mr. Bonzena pledged a prompt passage of the budget to adhere to the January to December timeframe.
READ ALSO: ‘I Had Malaria’, Akpabio Breaks Silence On Slump Rumour
It’s worth noting that the state initially had a N150 billion budget for 2023, supplemented by a N206 billion supplementary budget.