SPEECH DELIVERED BY THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF TARABA STATE, HIS EXCELLENCY, DR. AGBU KEFAS, AT THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF THE 2024 BUDGET TO THE STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY ON FRIDAY 15TH DECEMBER 2023

The Speaker,

Honorable Members of the Taraba State 

House of Assembly,

Distinguish Guests.

I stand before you today with a sense of duty, responsibility, and optimism as we gather to present the budget for fiscal year 2024 for our beloved state, Taraba.

This occasion marks a crucial moment in our journey towards sustainable development, progress, and prosperity.

Before delving into the specifics of the budget, I would like to express my gratitude to the State House of Assembly for their unwavering commitments to the development of the state. Your tireless effort and dedication to the welfare of our people have not gone unnoticed, and I am confident that together, we will continue to build a Taraba that we can all be proud of.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, during this address, as it is the convention, I will review the performance of the 2023 Approved Budget before presenting the proposals of the next fiscal year. The full details of the proposals will be given to the Honourable House by the Honourable Commissioner of the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning.

PERFORMANCE OF THE 2023 BUDGET (FROM JANUARY – SEPTEMBER 2023)

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members may recall that the 9th Assembly of this Honourable House appropriated the sum of One Hundred and Seventy-Three Billion, Two Hundred and Thirty-Four Million, Five Hundred and Thirty-Seven Thousand, Four Hundred and Fifty-Nine Naira, Forty Kobo only (₦173,234,537,459.40) for the services of the State Government for the 2023 fiscal period. 

This was broken down into Seventy-Four Billion, Five Hundred and Fifty-Six Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Nine Thousand, Eighty-Eight Naira, Fifteen Kobo only (₦74,556,829,088.15) for recurrent expenditure while the balance of Ninety-Eight Billion, Six Hundred and Seventy-Seven Million, Seven Hundred and Eight Thousand, Three Hundred and Seventy- One Naira, Twenty-Five Kobo only (₦98,677,708,371.25) was for capital investment.

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, in the year under review, the change in the mantle of leadership that brought this Administration on board and her priorities have necessitated the 10th Assembly to approve a supplementary Budget of Two Hundred and Six Billion, Seven Hundred and Seventy-Six Million Naira, Zero Kobo (₦206,776,000,000.00) only. 

As of 30th September 2023, provisional figure from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) shows that a total sum of Eighty-Seven Billion, Four Hundred and Forty-Nine Million, Two Hundred and Ninety-Nine Thousand, One Hundred and Sixty-Eight Naira, Fifty-Nine Kobo (₦87,449,299,168.59) only accrued as revenue.

This comprises the following: Opening balance of Eleven Billion,  Five Hundred Million Naira, Zero Kobo (₦11,500,000,000.00) only, Government share of Federal Statutory Revenue (Value Added Tax inclusive) of Fifty-Eight Billion, Eight Hundred Million, Nine Hundred and  Forty-Two Thousand, Sixty-Eight Naira, Ninety-Nine Kobo (₦58,800,942,068.99) only and Independent Revenue of Eight Billion, Three Hundred and Ninety-Eight Million, Eight Hundred and Ninety-Four Thousand, Seven Hundred and Twenty-One Naira, Fourteen Kobo (₦8,398,894,721.14) only. Others are Aids and Grants of Three Billion, Four Hundred and Thirty-Five Million, Six Hundred and Fifty-One Thousand, Two Hundred and Nine Naira, Thirty-Two Kobo (₦3,435,651,209.32) only and Capital Development Fund (CDF) Receipts of Five Billion, Three Hundred and Thirteen Million, Eight Hundred and Eleven Thousand, One Hundred and Sixty-Nine Naira, Fourteen Kobo (₦5,313,811,169.14) only. Out of which Government had expended the sum of Fifty-Two Billion, Eight Hundred and Seventy-Nine Million, Nine Hundred and Seventy-Six Thousand, Three Hundred and Nineteen Naira, Sixty Kobo (₦52,879,976,319.60) only on recurrent activities and Forty-Six Billion, Seven Hundred and Fifty-Nine Million, Ninety-Four Thousand, Nine Hundred and One Naira, Forty-Four Kobo (₦46,759,094,901.44) only for capital outlay. 

The expenditure profile shows that 13.9% of the total receipt went for recurrent expenditure and 12.3% went for capital expenditure.  

The total percentage performance of the Budget therefore stood at 26.2% as against the expected 75% for the period under review.

Owing to the performance stated above, the government has been able to execute the following projects as can be seen below:

AGRICULTURE

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, during the period under review the State Government procured and distributed certified assorted seeds and Mini Produce Storage Bins to farmers free of charge. Government also provided 2,460 metric tons of assorted fertilizers to farmers as palliatives to cushion the effect of subsidy removal on petrol. Others include the provision of Livestock supplementary feed and procurement of agro-chemicals and equipment; procured and distributed Anthrax vaccines to livestock farmers in the State to prevent Zoonotic diseases; payment of Government contributions for IFAD-VCDP, Livestock Production and Resilient Support Project (L-PRES), and FADAMA CARES. 

Government also renovated staff quarters in the College of Agriculture and provided water supply within the College. Overall, the sum of Two Billion, Two Hundred and Forty-Eight Million, Seven Hundred and Twenty-Six Thousand, Four Hundred and Eighty-Five Naira, Zero Kobo (₦2,248,726,485.00) only was expended in the sector to improve agricultural productivity and ensure food security in the State.

WORKS AND INFRASTRUCTURE, AND TRANSPORT DEVELOPMENT

 In the Works and Transport sector, the Government continued with the on-going projects. Within the period under review, Government funded the work on the Dual Carriage Way and Wukari - Tsokundi Road. Work has also progressed in Yerima – Gassol – Dominion Road; Mararraba – Baissa – Abong Road and Pamanga – Dakka Road. 

In the Aviation sub-sector, government embarked upon the expansion of the Danbaba Suntai Airport. In all, the sum of Thirteen Billion, Four Hundred and Thirty-Six Million, Four Hundred and Twenty-Four Thousand, Six Hundred and Twenty-Three Naira, Seventy-Six Kobo (₦13,436,424,623.76) only were spent in the Works and transport sub-sector.

HEALTH CARE DELIVERY

In our resolve of giving Taraba citizens quality health care services, government provided the following interventions: Completion of College of Nursing and Midwifery; Procurement and distribution of essential drugs; Installation of magnetic Resonate Images in Takum, Wukari, Bambur and Gembu; Solar panel Housing in 4 General hospital; Diseases Surveillance and response; Procurement of Hospital equipment and consumable; Procurement of ambulance to secondary health facilities, and Medical assistance to State indigent persons. The sum of One Billion, Four Hundred and Forty-Four Million, Three Hundred and Twelve Thousand, Six Hundred and Forty-Four Naira, Forty-one Kobo only (₦1,444,312,644.41) was spent in the health sector.

EDUCATION

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, in the period under review, my administration has remained proactive in her interventions in the Education sector. The interventions cut across all the sub-sectors namely basic, secondary, and tertiary education. Highlights of activities in the education sector are: Key stakeholders in the Education sector visited Rwanda and Finland on a study tour to under study their education system for the benefit of the State; Remodeling of government primary and secondary schools Nyamu-Sala; Government was able to deploy the matching grants received from the Universal Basic Education Commission to projects in the 2023 interventions.  In the Tertiary sub-sector, the support from TETFUND has enabled our high institutions to upgrade their infrastructure within the period under review. 

Overall, the sum of Three Billion, One Hundred and Forty-Eight Million, Seven Hundred and Ninety-Seven Thousand, Seven Hundred and Thirty-Seven Naira Nineteen Kobo (₦3,148,797,737.19) only were expended in the Education sub-sector.

WATER RESOURCES

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, in our craving to bestow a sustainable water supply system to the citizenry, government has continued to fund the Jalingo Primary Water Supply Scheme. Government has also provided wash facilities in schools, markets, motor parks and health centers in some communities. The sum of One Billion and Fourteen Million Naira, Zero Kobo (₦1,014,000,000.00) only were spent in the Water sub-sector.

GOVERNANCE

During the period under review, we remained committed to safeguarding lives and properties across the State. We stepped up our efforts to ensure that an equitable, peaceful, and secure environment was guaranteed to our citizens. Other project activities carried out included the renovation and furnishing of Liaison offices, provision of subventions and grants to Yangtu and Ngada Special Development Areas and government companies. 

Also, government was able to procure some assorted vehicles for her logistics. In all the sum of Twelve Billion, Five Hundred and Thirty-One Million, Four Hundred and Seventy-Eight Thousand and Sixty-Three Naira Fifty-Three Kobo (₦12,531,478,063.53) only were expended in governance.

Summary of Performance (January – September 2023)

S/N SUB-SECTOR AMOUNT (₦)

1 Agriculture 2,248,726,484.00

2 Works and Infrastructure Development, and Transport Development 13,436,424,623.76

3 Health 1,444,312,644.41

4 Education 3,148,797,737.19

5 Water 1,014,000,000.00

6 Governance 12,531,478,063.53

7 Others (Including Recurrent Expenditure) 53,625,559,615.70

TOTAL 87,449,299,168.59

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, the budget I am about to present today is not just a financial document; it is a blueprint for the future of Taraba. It reflects our collective vision for a state that is economically vibrant, socially inclusive, and environmentally sustainable.

2024 BUDGET ESTIMATES

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, the 2024 Budget Estimates of the State aims to foster sustainable growth, social development, Agriculture and rural development, infrastructure development, Governance, and public financial management. The preparation of the 2024 Budget was guided by the following macroeconomic variables as determined by the Federal Government:

(i)      International oil price benchmark of $73.96 per barrel,

(ii)      Oil production quota of 1.78 million barrels per day,

(iii)      United States Dollar exchange rate to N700,

(iv)      Inflation rate of 21% and

(v)      A GDP growth rate of 3.76%. 

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, for the State services in the 2024 fiscal period, the Government has estimated the sum of Three Hundred and Eleven Billion, Three Hundred and Eighty-Eight Million, Five Hundred and Twenty-Five Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty-One Naira, Ninety-Six Kobo (₦311,388,525,661.96) only.

REVENUE BREAKDOWN

The projected revenue of Three Hundred and Eleven Billion, Three Hundred and Eighty-Eight Million, Five Hundred and Twenty-Five Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty-One Naira, Ninety-Six Kobo (₦311,388,525,661.96) only comprises of an Opening Balance of Three Billion, Five Hundred Million Naira, Zero Kobo (₦3,500,000,000.00) only representing 1.2%, Independent Revenue estimate of Twenty-Seven Billion, Eight Hundred and Thirty Million, Four Hundred and Thirty-Nine Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Four Naira, Ten  Kobo (₦27,830,439,124.10) only representing 8.9%, Government Share of FAAC (Statutory Revenue including Value Added Tax) of One Hundred and Ten Billion, Four Hundred and Twenty-Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Sixty-Seven Thousand, One Hundred and Ninety-Two Naira, Thirty-Eight Kobo (₦110,428,967,192.38) only representing 35.5%, Aids and Grants of Twenty-Three Billion, One Hundred and Thirty-Six Million, One Hundred and Ninety-Nine Thousand, Three Hundred and Forty-Six Naira, Sixty-Six Kobo (₦23,136,199,346.66) only representing 7.4%, Capital Development Fund (CDF) Receipts of One Hundred and Forty-Six Billion, Four Hundred and Ninety-Two Million, Nine Hundred and Nineteen Thousand, Nine Hundred and Ninety-Eight Naira, Eighty-Two Kobo (₦146,492,919,998.82) only representing 46.4%.

INDEPENDENT REVENUE COLLECTION EFFORT

The total independent collectible revenue is estimated at Twenty-Seven Billion, Eight Hundred and Thirty Million, Four Hundred and Thirty-Nine Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Four Naira, Ten Kobo (₦27,830,439,124.10) only in 2024. For the State to push up her collection effort over and above this estimate, government will ensure that all revenue collecting MDAs are given incentives that will make them quadruple their collection efforts. Taraba State Internal Revenue Service should ensure that this is done through enhanced monitoring and safeguards to check   leakages.

EXPENDITURE

Total Recurrent Expenditure is estimated at One Hundred and Eleven Billion, Six Hundred and Seventy-Nine Million, Five Hundred and Ninety-Five Thousand, Three Hundred and Fifty-Eight Naira Fifty-Nine Kobo (₦111,679,595,358.59) only representing 35.9%. This is made up of total Personnel Cost of Fifty-Six Billion, Six Hundred and Fifty-Nine Million, Eight Hundred and Eighty Thousand, Three Hundred Naira, Forty-Eight Kobo (₦56,659,880,300.48) only and Other Recurrent Costs of Fifty-Five Billion, Nineteen Million, Seven Hundred and Fifteen Thousand and Fifty-Eight Naira, Ten Kobo (₦55,019,715,058.10) only.

The 2024 Budget has a capital expenditure estimate of One Hundred and Ninety-Nine Billion, Seven Hundred and Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Three Hundred and Three Naira, Thirty-Seven Kobo (₦199,708,930,303.37) only representing 64.1% with the following sectoral allocations in accordance with the classifications of National Chart of Accounts:

(a) Administration: Twenty-Nine Billion, Six Hundred and Seventy-Nine Million, Eight Hundred and Twenty-Five Thousand, One Hundred and Twenty-Six Naira, Sixty-Five Kobo (₦29,679,825,126.65) only representing 14.9%.

(b) Economy: One Hundred and Fourteen Billion, Two Hundred and Twenty-Five Million, Five Hundred and Thirty Thousand, Six Hundred and Ninety-Five Naira, Eighty-Five Kobo (₦114,225,530,695.85) only representing 57.2%.

(c) Law and Justice: Four Billion, and Eleven Million, Three Hundred and Ten Thousand, Three Hundred and Sixty-Two Naira, Zero Kobo (₦4,011,310,362.00) only

 representing 2%.

(d) Social Services: Fifty-One Billion, Seven Hundred and Ninety-Two Million, Two Hundred and Sixty-Four Thousand, One Hundred and Eighteen Naira, Eighty-Seven Kobo (₦51,792,264,118.87) only representing 25.9%.

THE 2024 BUDGET DELIVERABLES

Mr. Speaker and Honourable members, my administration came on board with five (5) fingers mantra of Education, Security, Women and Youth empowerment, Infrastructure development and Health. The 2024 Budget of the State will place specific emphasis on the following key areas. 

EDUCATION

Education is the bedrock of any progressive society. To this end, a substantial portion of the 2024 budget is dedicated to the education sector. We aim to enhance infrastructure in schools, improve teachers training, and invest in educational technology to ensure our youth receive the best possible education. 

HEALTH

The well-being of our citizens is of paramount importance. The budget includes significant allocations to strengthen our health care system, improve facilities, and enhance the welfare of healthcare professionals. We are committed to ensuring accessible, affordable and quality healthcare services for all Tarabans. 

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture remains the backbone of our economy. We will continue to invest in modern agricultural practices, provide support to farmers, and develop agricultural business initiatives. Our goal is to enhance Food Security, increase agricultural productivity, and create employment opportunities in the sector.

ENERGY 

Acknowledging the pivotal role of energy in our development, the budget addresses the need for sustainable and reliable energy sources. We are committed to investing in renewable energy projects, ensuring a stable power supply, and fostering innovation in the energy sector.

MINING

The Mining sector is a crucial component of our economic diversification strategy. The Budget includes provision to support responsible and sustainable mining practices. We will work towards creating a conducive environment for responsible mining activities, ensuring that the sector contributes to economic growth while prioritizing environmental conservation. 

INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT

Infrastructure development is crucial for economic growth. The budget includes allocation for the construction and maintenance of roads, bridges, and other critical infrastructure projects. We believe that improved infrastructure will stimulate economic activities, enhance connectivity, and improve the overall quality of life for our citizens.

SECURITY

The safety and Security of our citizens are non-negotiable. Adequate resources have been allocated to strengthen our Security apparatus, enhance the capacity of law enforcement agencies, and implement Community based initiatives to ensure a safe and secure environment for all.

ENVIRONMENT

In line with our commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development, I am pleased to announce that five percent (5%) of the total 2024 budget has been allocated to a special initiative: The Greening Taraba Project. This project is a testament to our dedication to preserving the natural beauty of our state, enhancing our ecological balance, and mitigating the impact of climate change.

The Greening Taraba Project will focus on initiatives such as afforestation, reforestation, and environmental conservation. We recognize that a healthy environment is fundamental to the well-being of our citizens and the overall prosperity of our state. By allocating a significant portion of the budget to this initiative, we are making a strategic investment in the long-term sustainability and resilience of Taraba. 

This project will not only contribute to the preservation of our rich biodiversity but will also create employment opportunities, stimulate economic growth, and improve the quality of life for our people. It is  holistic approach that aligns with global best practices in environmental stewardship.

Furthermore, the Greening Taraba Project will involve partnerships with local communities, non-governmental organizations, and other, stakeholders, to ensure that our efforts are collaborative, inclusive, and effective. Together, we will work towards building a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable Taraba for generations to come.

May the Greening Taraba Project serve as a beacon of hope and inspiration for us all as we embark on this journey towards a more sustainable and prosperous future.

GOVERNANCE AND PUBLIC FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

Government institutions will be strengthened. We will also promote transparency, accountability, and effective public financial management to ensure efficient resource allocation and utilization.

2024 SUB-SECTOR ALLOCATION

S/N SUB-SECTOR AMOUNT (₦) Percentage

1 Education Forty – Three Billion, Two Hundred and Eight Million, Two Hundred an Seventy – Eight Thousand, Eight Hundred and Forty – Nine, Twenty – Nine Kobo

(43,208,278,849.29) 13.9

2 Health Thirty-Three Billion, Fifty – Four Million, Six Hundred and Eighty – Six Thousand, Eight Hundred and Forty – Eight Naira, Four Kobo (33,054,686,848.04) 10.6

3 Works and Infrastructure Development Twenty – Four Billion, Eight Hundred and Four Million, Two Hundred and thirty – Two Thousand, Two Hundred and Fifty – Three Naira, Seventeen Kobo

(24,804,232,253.17) 8.0

4 Agriculture and Food Security Eighteen Billion, Eight Hundred and Fifty – Three Million, Eight Hundred and Fifty – Two Thousand, Eighty – One Naira, Forty – Five Kobo (18,853,852,081.45) 6.1

5 Energy Twenty Billion, One Hundred and Twenty-Eight Million, Six Hundred Eighty-Four Thousand Eight Hundred and Four Naira Eighty-Seven Kobo. (20,128,684,804.87) 6.5

6 Environment Sixteen Billion Three Hundred and Three Million Six Hundred and Two Thousand One Hundred and Fifty-Six Naira Sixteen Kobo.

(16,303,602,156.16) 5.2

7 Security Eight Billion Nine Hundred and Fifteen Million Four Hundred and Thirty-Nine Thousand Four Hundred and Sixty Naira Fifty-Nine Kobo (8,915,439,460.59) 2.9

8 Finance Thirty-Four Billion One Million Four Hundred Ninety-Eight Hundred and Thirty-One Naira Sixty-Five Kobo (34,001,498,831.65) 10.9

9 Commerce, Trade and Industry Eight Billion Four Hundred 7 Sixty-Nine Million Eight Hundred Twenty-Eight Thousand Eight Hundred Sixty Naira Eighty Kobo

(8,469,828,869.80) 2.7

10 Women Affairs and Child Development Three Billion Two Hundred and Ninety Million Four Hundred Fifty-Seven Thousand One Hundred Eighty-Six Naira Thirty-Five Kobo

(3,290,457,186.35) 1.1

11 Youth and Sport Development Two Billion Six Hundred and Forty-One Million Two Hundred Eighty-Eight Thousand Seven hundred and Sixty-Two Niara Fifty Kobo (2,641,288,762.50) 0.8

12 Governance Sixty-Five Billion Five Hundred Twenty-Four Million Eighty-Eight Thousand Six Hundred and Twenty-Six Naira Seventy-Two Kobo

(65,524,088,626.72) 21.0

13 Cooperative and Poverty Alleviation Two Billion Three Hundred and Ninety-Seven Million Four Hundred Forty-Two Thousand Five Hundred and Fifty Naira Ninety-Six Kobo

(2,397,442,552.96) 0.8

14 Waste Management Two Billion Nine Hundred Sixty-Four Million Nine Hundred Four Thousand Nine Hundred and Sixty-Four Naira (2,964,964,964.00) 1.0

15 Water and Aquatic Affairs Seven Billion Six Hundred and Seventy-Five Million Seven Hundred and Ninety-Four Thousand Two Hundred Ninety-Three Naira Fifty-Nine Kobo

(7,675,794,293.59) 2.5

16 Transport Development Five Billion Four Hundred and Thirty-Four Million Eight Hundred Thirty-Seven Thousand Eight Hundred and Thirty-Three Naira Fifteen Kobo

(5,434,837,833.15) 1.7

17 Others Thirteen Billion Seven Hundred and Nineteen Million Five Hundred and Forty- Seven Thousand Two Hundred and Eighty-Seven Naira Sixty-Seven Kobo

(13,719,547,287.67) 4.4

  TOTAL Three Hundred and Eleven Billion, Three Hundred and Eighty-Eight Million, Five Hundred and Twenty-Five Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty-One Naira, Ninety-Six Kobo (311,388,525,661.96) 100

Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, the 2024 Budget of the State strives to advance the State’s socioeconomic development agenda through strategic investments in education, infrastructure, healthcare, agriculture, security, and governance. By prioritizing these sectors and implementing prudent financial management practices, the State will achieve sustainable growth, improve service delivery, and enhance the overall well-being of our people. 

Mr. Speaker and distinguished members, at this juncture, may I once again express my profound gratitude for your continuous support and cooperation in our efforts to improve the wellbeing of our people. It is therefore, with great pleasure, that I lay before this Honourable House the 2024 Taraba State Appropriation Bill that I titled the “BUDGET OF MOVING FORWARD” to the tune of Three Hundred and Eleven Billion, Three Hundred and Eighty-Eight Million, Five Hundred and Twenty-Five Thousand, Six Hundred and Sixty-One Naira, Ninety-Six Kobo (₦311,388,525,661.96) only.

I call upon the honorable members of the State House of Assembly to consider and deliberate on the 2024 budget, with the understanding that it represents a collective commitment to the well-being and future of our state. Together, let us continue to strive for excellence, innovation and progress.

Thank you, and May God bless the people of Taraba State and our great nation, Nigeria.