In a significant milestone, the Governor of Kogi State, His Excellency Yahaya Bello, CON, has officially signed the N258,278,501,339 Appropriation Bill for the year 2024 into law. The governor, expressing the uniqueness of this budget signing, remarked that it marks the final one under his tenure as the state’s governor.
Governor Bello extended commendations to the Speaker and members of the Kogi State House of Assembly for their exceptional collaboration and prompt attention to his request, leading to the swift passage of the appropriation bill into law.
The 2024 budget, titled “Consolidation and Continuity for Inclusive Growth,” stands at N258.3bn, representing a notable increase from the N197.5bn revised approved budget for 2023—a 30.71% increment of N60.6bn.
Governor Bello outlined key areas of emphasis within the 2024 budget, spanning good governance, infrastructural development, education, healthcare, agriculture, security, peace-building, women empowerment, gender equality, environment, sustainable development, industry, commerce, information technology, innovation, youth empowerment, sports development, entertainment, culture, tourism, housing, enhanced internally generated revenue, water, and sanitation.
As the governor approaches the conclusion of his administration on January 27, 2024, he expressed a heartfelt desire for continued cooperation with the incoming administration of Governor-Elect Ahmed Usman Ododo. He anticipates that the transition will be embraced with excitement and optimism, paving the way for the state to achieve new horizons.
Expressing gratitude to God and the people of Kogi State for their unwavering support during his nearly eight-year tenure, Governor Bello expressed confidence in the State Assembly’s ability to maintain a harmonious relationship with the incoming administration.
Speaking optimistically about the budget’s implementation under the leadership of Governor-Elect Ahmed Usman Ododo, Governor Bello foresees the incoming administration building on the foundation laid during his tenure. He commended the commissioner, management and staff of the ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning for painstakingly put the budget together.
Earlier in his address, the Speaker, Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Aliyu Umar Yusuf, noted that the 2024 budget is a reflection of the resolve of the people of the state to address their critical needs and pledged the assembly’s cooperation and collaboration with the incoming administration for the overall interest of the state.
In addition to signing the 2024 budget, Governor Bello enacted laws to repeal and re-enact the Kogi State Local Government Law, 2000; bill to repeal and re-enact the Kogi State College of Nursing Sciences; and bill establishing the Kogi State Oil Producing Area Development Commission, among other crucial matters.
ONOGWU Muhammed
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor
December 20, 2023