Kogi’s 2025 Budget: A Strategic Leap Towards Inclusive Development
By Dahiru Abdulrahaman
Through this “Budget of inclusive development” Kogi State, is taking bold strides toward inclusive and sustainable development under the visionary leadership of His Excellency Ahmed Usman Ododo. The presentation of the 2025 Appropriation Bill of ₦582,404,119,489 to the Kogi State House of Assembly, has reaffirmed the administration commitment to driving progress across all sectors. This budget, tagged the “Budget of All-Inclusive Development,” represents a 43.34% increase from the revised 2024 budget of ₦406,321,130,013.
The allocation of ₦302.8 billion (48.01%) for capital expenditure and ₦279.6 billion (51.99%) for recurrent expenditure, signals a deliberate focus on expanding infrastructure, exploring economic opportunities, and enhancing social welfare. This plan builds on the successes recorded in 2024 and introduces ambitious projects designed to unlock the state’s full potential.
To put this budget in perspective, it is pertinent to cast a backward glance on the 2024 budget. By Governor’s submission, the increased budgetary allocation is rooted in the remarkable accomplishments of 2024, which laid the groundwork for the state’s transformative agenda. These key projects are scattered across several sectors including transportation, healthcare, education etc.
In the transportation front, the Ajaokuta Road, a critical artery was completed, reducing travel time and facilitating trade between key industrial zones. Several urban roads within the Lokoja township were also rehabilitated, easing traffic, improving intra-city connectivity while giving the state capital a look befitting it’s status.
Healthcare advancement saw to the equipping of the Lokoja Specialist hospital with state-of-the-art medical facilities. This critical upgrade has positioned the hospital to cater to thousands of patients monthly, offering affordable and accessible healthcare. Also, over 50 Primary Health Centres across the state were upgraded with modern facilities and positioned to provide better maternal and child healthcare services.
In education, the Renovation of Model Secondary School, Kabba, a flagship project provided modern learning facilities, making the school a centre of academic excellence. Hundreds of scholarships were also awarded to indigent students pursuing tertiary education, in a move that ensures no one is left behind in Governor Ododo’s match towards inclusive growth and developments.
Water and power supply has also received attention. Solar-Powered Water Projects have been commissioned in communities like Itobe and Ejule which hitherto lacked access to clean drinking water. These communities now have reliable access to potable water, thereby solving long-standing water scarcity issues.
The Rural Electrification in Koton-Karfe, a project that has connected dozens of villages to the national grid, boosting small-scale businesses also qualifies as one of Governor Ododo’s signature projects
Undoubtedly, all these achievements are evidence of the administration’s ability to deliver impactful projects, which have now paved the way for the ambitious plans outlined in the 2025 budget.
In aiming for Inclusive Growth, Governor Ododo’s proposed 2025 budget introduces several transformative initiatives aimed at broadening the state’s development agenda.
It therefore comes as no surprise that a recurring feature in the budget is expanding infrastructure. The budget makes it clear that the state government plans to intensify its focus on infrastructure to drive economic growth and improve quality of life.
The Key projects earmarked for completion include the Okene-Ajaokuta Road Dualisation. This is a critical project designed to improve industrial access and ease logistics for businesses. The proposed Lokoja Flyover Bridge designed to reduce congestion and enhance urban mobility is also a clear evidence of Governor Ododo’s foresight.
In the housing sector, the governor has proposed Affordable Housing Schemes, an initiative aimed at developing low-cost housing estates in Lokoja, Idah, and Ankpa to address the state’s housing deficit.
Governor Ododo has also taken a strong interest in the revamping of the state’s mining sector. As one of Nigeria’s leading mineral-producing state, it is rather shocking that the sector’s potential to change the state’s fortunes has never been fully harnessed. Thankfully, Kogi is poised to explore new mining frontiers to diversify its revenue base thanks to Governor Ododo. To this end, Iron Ore development in Agbaja appears the immediate priority. Consequently, the state plans to partner with investors to harness the vast deposits in Agbaja, with the potential for job creation while driving industrialisation.
The Gold mines of Isanlu also feature prominently in the proposed mining revolution. The governor plans to execute the Isanlu project by introducing modern extraction methods. Not only would modern methods enhance transparency, if would also boost revenue. Barite and Limestone Reserves are also to be exploited. The governor believes exploiting these minerals will feed into local industries, such as cement manufacturing and oil drilling.
Beside diversification into mining, Governor Ododo also plans to invest heavily in agriculture and small businesses. This will be powered by Agricultural Mechanization Schemes. In this regards, funds have been earmarked for the procurement and distribution of tractors, harvesters, and fertilizers to farmers all in a bid to boost yields and ensure food security.
₦5 billion has been earmarked for interest-free loans to small business owners. This is inform of SME Development Grants. The plan is to stimulate the local economy and utilise SMEs to reduce the rate of unemployment while also boosting the economy.
In fulfilment of his social contract, Governor Ododo has shown he doesn’t take Social Welfare lightly. No wonder, a comprehensive school renovations has been proposed. In this plan, over 100 schools will be rehabilitated in 2025, alongside teacher training programmes aimed at improving the overall quality of education.
In furtherance, of Healthcare interventions executive so far, the governor also plans a healthcare expansion. This plan will see to the construction of additional general hospitals in Dekina and Bassa local governments.
Indeed, the 43.34% rise in budgetary allocation is justified by the scale and scope of proposed projects for 2025. Capital expenditure alone has been increased significantly to accommodate mega-projects that will have long-term economic and social impacts. For instance:
Every project has been carefully thought out and well conceptualised. Take, for instance, the construction of the Lokoja Flyover which is expected to reduce traffic by over 50%, saving billions annually in productivity. Investments in mining, such as the Agbaja Iron Ore Development, are also poised to generate direct and indirect jobs, contributing to both state and federal revenues.
The Governor’s focus on rural development aligns with the 2025 budget’s “all-inclusive” tag which is also the administration’s agenda; to ensure that every citizen, regardless of location, benefits from the government’s initiatives.
Governor Ododo has also assured citizens that every kobo allocated in the 2025 budget will be judiciously utilised. To this end, the state government plans to enhance budget performance monitoring by integrating modern technology and engaging civil society organisations to track progress.
As our people would say, a good Friday reveals itself from the Thursday. Flowing from this, the administration’s strong record of delivering on its promises, as demonstrated in 2024, inspires confidence that the ambitious goals set for 2025 will be met.
Kogi State stands at the threshold of a transformative era, driven by a leader committed to inclusive growth and sustainable development. The 2025 budget represents more than just a financial plan, it is a blueprint for the state’s future and a portrait of Governor Ododo’s audacious march towards progress.
With this ambitious agenda that builds on the achievements of 2024 and introduces innovative projects across key sectors, there’s excitement that the “Budget of All-Inclusive Development” is set to propel Kogi State to new heights. By investing in infrastructure, diversifying the economy, and exploring its vast mineral wealth, Governor Ododo is laying a solid foundation for prosperity.
In this 2025 Budget of All-inclusive Development, Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo appears to have outdone himself. Through the ground-breaking provisions in the budget, the administration has once again demonstrated its resolve to leave no one behind, ensuring that the dividends of democracy reach every citizen of Kogi State.
Abdulrahaman writes from Kaduna
