…Earmarks N223bn for recurrent expenditure
…N381bn for capital projects
Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has presented an appropriation bill and a budget estimate of N605 billion for the 2025 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly.
While presenting the 2025 budget at the main chamber of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA) on Tuesday, the governor highlighted that it marks a 25% increase compared to the 2024 budget.
Tagged “Budget of Renewed Hope for a Rising Edo,” the budget allocates 37% (N223 billion) to recurrent expenditure and 63% (N381 billion) to capital projects.
Governor Okpebholo stated that the proposed Bill, developed through extensive consultations, aims to ensure accountability and transparency in governance, ultimately enhancing service delivery to the people of Edo State.
He explained that the Appropriation Bill is designed to achieve the goals of his five-point agenda: Security, Infrastructure Development, Healthcare, Food Sufficiency, and Education. Additionally, it aligns with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda and is integrated into the State Development Plan, which will guide his administration in 2025.
Highlighting his administration’s priority on road infrastructure, Governor Okpebholo announced the allocation of N162 billion for the construction of motorable roads across the state.
“We recognize the critical role of well-connected roads in driving economic growth. In recent years, traveling between senatorial districts and communities has become increasingly challenging. My administration is determined to resolve this issue. Furthermore, we will transform Benin City from an ancient city into a modern hub, starting with the construction of the iconic Ramat Park Flyover, the first of its kind in the state,” he said.
On education, the Governor reiterated his commitment to revamping the sector, from primary to tertiary levels.
“We are all witnesses to the deplorable state of our tertiary institutions in the past eight years. My administration will provide N500 million monthly subvention to Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, to aid its revival. We have also allocated N48 billion in the 2025 budget to ensure continuous improvement in other tertiary institutions.”
In the area of security and community development, Governor Okpebholo highlighted ongoing efforts to restore peace across the state, including the purchase of 20 patrol vehicles to support security agencies, with plans to procure more in 2025. He also announced the lifting of the ban on the Edo State Vigilante.
For healthcare, the Governor disclosed that N63.9 billion has been earmarked for 2025, with N1.8 billion allocated to health insurance to ensure accessible and affordable healthcare for all.
On agriculture, Governor Okpebholo stated that N4.5 billion has been set aside to strengthen the sector through farm mechanization, improved security for farmers, and safer farmlands.
The Governor thanked the Speaker and Honourable Members of the EDHA for their cooperation and highlighted the policy objectives of the 2025 budget, which are focused on improving the socio-economic conditions of Edo State residents.
The Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku, commended Governor Okpebholo for his budget presentation and pledged the House’s commitment to collaborating with relevant stakeholders for its swift passage.
“I call on all MDAs and ministries to provide the required documents to expedite the passage of this budget. Your Excellency, we will work with you to ensure that the people of Edo State fully benefit from the dividends of democracy,” the Speaker assured.
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