2024 Budget will prioritise ongoing projects – Kwara Gov

Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has outlined the key priorities for the upcoming 2024 budget.

In a recent policy discussion with top officials, the Governor articulated the government’s direction as preparations for the budget got underway.

The primary focus of the 2024 budget will be on ensuring the successful completion of ongoing capital projects and their inauguration.

This initiative aims to improve the overall quality of life in the state and generate more employment opportunities for its citizens.

Additionally, the budget will allocate resources towards social protection measures to support vulnerable individuals in the community.

Governor AbdulRazaq also affirmed the government’s commitment to the welfare of the state’s workforce, including addressing discussions regarding a new minimum wage.

Furthermore, the administration plans to enhance the ease of doing business by engaging in advocacy efforts, enacting legislation, and collaborating with various economic stakeholders.

The Governor emphasized that the government’s strategic direction aligns closely with the Sustainable Development Plan (SDP: 2021-2030), a ten-year economic blueprint that outlines policy objectives and priorities.

These priorities encompass human capital development, improved education access, sanitation facilities, infrastructural expansion, economic diversification, youth empowerment, gender inclusion, environmental sustainability, energy sustainability, sports development, food security through agricultural promotion, safety, and creating a conducive environment for capital investments.

Governor AbdulRazaq urged all government officials in the state to adapt to the current economic conditions as they work diligently to fulfill their responsibilities and positively impact the lives of the people of Kwara.

Prince AbdulKadir Aliyu Mahe, the Secretary to the State Government, stressed the importance of the policy direction hangout for the 2024 budget, viewing it as a crucial moment for the state to chart its financial roadmap for the upcoming year. He encouraged key stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue and offer valuable insights during the budget deliberations.

Hon. Gabriel Ganiyu Abolarin, who represented the House of Assembly Speaker Rt. Hon. Yakubu Danladi Salihu, highlighted the event’s purpose, which is to provide step-by-step guidance to make the 2024 budget preparation process more manageable and implementable. He also expressed gratitude to Governor AbdulRazaq for his exceptional leadership and support, particularly the approval for training officers on zero-based budgeting systems and processes.

During the event, there was an engaging question and answer session where permanent secretaries sought clarification and shared observations on various developments affecting their ministries.

Topics ranged from the adoption of the new Energy Act to addressing current economic trends in the country and strategies for mitigation.