The Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has presented a N340.9 billion budget estimate for the 2022 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly for scrutiny and consideration.
Masari, while presenting the 2022 budget, which he christened ‘Budget of Economic Resilience’ Wednesday, said the implementation of the 2021 budget was largely affected by the security challenges orchestrated by bandits across the state.
He lamented that funds that were supposed to be utilized by the state government to execute developmental projects and programmes were committed to funding security operations in the state.
Masari said: “As we are all aware, implementation of the 2021 budget has been largely affected by the security challenges across the state.
“Funds that were supposed to be utilized by the state government to execute meaningful projects and programmes were committed to funding security operations in the state.
“That notwithstanding, the state government has recorded progress in funding the on-going projects and executing new projects and programmes.”
He, however, said the 2022 budget was designed to complete on-going projects and initiate other capital projects that could be completed within the lifespan of his administration.
According to him, “The total budget for the 2022 fiscal year is in the sum of N340,951,912,557.00 with 69.85 per cent capital expenditure and 30.40 per cent recurrent expenditure.
“In aggregate terms, the 2022 Budget is higher than that of the 2021 revised budget by N48,064,131,214.00.
“The 2022 Budget is structured with a total recurrent expenditure of N102,800,756,244.00 which is equivalent to 30.15 per cent of the total budget and capital expenditure of N238,151,156,313.00 which is 69.85 per cent of the total budget.”
Responding, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Tasi’u Musa Maigari, assured the governor that the Assembly would ensure speedy passage of the budget to enhance the development of the state.
