The Plateau State Government has revealed the details of its N314 billion budget for the year 2024, with the administrative subsector getting the lion’s share of N33 billion. The budget, which was signed into law by Governor Caleb Mutfwang on Tuesday, represents a 164 billion increase from the previous year.

According to Chrysanthus Dawam, the commissioner for budget and economic planning, the budget is aimed at taking proper care of the citizens and their needs, as well as completing ongoing projects in the state. He said the budget would be funded mostly through revenue collection, taxes, and other sources.

The budget breakdown shows that the finance and economic subsector received the second highest allocation of N27 billion, followed by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development with N12 billion. The Ministry of Education received N10 billion, while the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development received N21 billion. The Ministry of Works and Transport was allocated N15 billion, the judiciary N7 billion, and the health sector N5 billion.

Some of the ministries that got the lowest allocations include the Ministry of Commerce and Industries with N134 million, the Ministry of Science and Technology with N772 million, and the Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Hospitality with N1 billion. The Ministry of Information and Communication also got N1 billion.

Dawam warned the ministries and agencies of government to strictly adhere to the basic principles of budget implementation and seek guidance from the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning whenever necessary.

The Plateau State budget is one of the largest among the states in Nigeria, surpassing the budgets of some neighboring states such as Benue, Nasarawa, and Taraba. The budget reflects the state’s ambition to become a hub of economic development and social welfare in the north-central region.

The budget also aligns with the national development plan of the federal government, which aims to lift 100 million Nigerians out of poverty by 2030. The federal government has recently approved an N13.59 trillion budget for 2024, with a focus on infrastructure, health, education, and security.

The Plateau State budget is expected to boost the state’s economy and create more opportunities for the people, especially the youths, women, and vulnerable groups. The budget also seeks to address the security challenges and humanitarian crises that have plagued the state in recent years.

The state has witnessed several attacks by armed groups, leading to the loss of lives and properties, as well as the displacement of thousands of people. The federal government and the international community have been providing relief materials and assistance to the victims of the violence.

The state government has also been working to restore peace and stability in the state, through dialogue, reconciliation, and justice. The governor has vowed to bring the perpetrators of the attacks to book and ensure the protection of the lives and rights of the citizens.

The Plateau State budget is a sign of hope and optimism for the people of the state, who have endured many hardships and challenges. The budget is a testament to the resilience and determination of the state to overcome its difficulties and achieve its potential.

Source: BusinessDay