Masari weeps as he presents last budget as governor

Katsina State Governor, Aminu Bello Masari, has presented a N288.63bn budget estimate for the 2022 fiscal year.

While presenting the budget before the Katsina State House of Assembly on Tuesday, the governor was emotional and could not hold back tears as it would be the last time he would present a budget before the House as his tenure as governor would soon be over. The governor has spent two terms in office.

“As you are all aware, this is the last time I will stand here before the Honourable Members of Katsina State House of Assembly to present the draft annual budget for the Katsina State Government.

“This budget is therefore designed to consolidate on the achievements we recorded as Government of Katsina State in the last seven and a half years,” he said.

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The total budget for the 2023 fiscal year was in the sum of N288,633,257,963.00 with 63.77% Capital Expenditure and 36.23% Recurrent Expenditure.

“In aggregate terms, the 2023 budget is lower than that of the 2022 revised budget by N34,662,962,998.00. The 2023 Budget is structured with a total recurrent expenditure of N104,580,485,996.28 which is equivalent to 36.23% of the total budget and capital expenditure of N184,052,771,966.72 which is 63.77% of the total budget,” the governor has said.

According to the governor, the 2023 budget which is tagged “Budget of Transition” was designed to complete ongoing projects and initiate other capital projects that can be completed before his tenure expires.

Environment got the largest share of 17.25 per cent, followed by water resources at 15.87 per cent and health at 13.03 per cent. Others are works, 11.41 per cent; education, at 10.12 per cent and agriculture at 7.39 per cent while other MDAs got 24.93 per cent.

Governor Masari said his administration had fulfilled most of its campaign promises on education; health; agriculture; water resources; environment as well as roads and infrastructural development under the restoration agenda.

In his remarks, the Speaker Katsina State House of Assembly, Tasiu Musa Maigari assured the governor that the House will waste no time in examining the proposed estimates with exceptional diligence so as to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.

“Let me, therefore, call on the Ministries, Departments and Agencies to appear before the House Committee on Appropriation to defend their estimates and strictly adhere to the Budget Defence timetable that will be sent to them soonest,” he said.