Taraba State Governor, Agbu Kefas, presented a substantial $311 billion appropriation bill for the upcoming fiscal year 2024 to the state House of Assembly on Friday.
Breaking down the budget, ₦111.6 billion, accounting for 39.5 percent, is allocated for recurrent expenditure, while ₦199.9 billion, constituting 64.1 percent, is earmarked for capital expenditure.
Governor Kefas outlined sectoral allocations, with a significant emphasis on education, which receives the highest allocation of $43.2 billion, making up 13.9 percent of the total budget. Health follows closely with ₦33.5 billion, representing 10.6 percent, and works with an allocation of ₦24.8 billion, constituting 8.0 percent.
The governor underscored that the budget aligns with his administration’s five-finger agenda, focusing on education, security, women and youth development, infrastructure, and health. He particularly highlighted a dedicated focus on education, encompassing initiatives such as teacher training, school improvements, and various interventions.
Governor Kefas also mentioned a five percent statutory deduction from state revenue for the ‘Greening Taraba Project,’ aimed at preserving the state’s natural beauty and addressing climate change impacts.
Acknowledging the positive working relationship between the executive and the legislature, Speaker Kizito Bonzena committed to expediting the budget’s passage to adhere to the January-December timeframe.
