Gov. Bello Matawalle of Zamfara on Thursday presented a budget of N188.872 billion for 2023 to the State House of Assembly for approval
Speaking at the ceremony, Matawalle said that the budget was made up of N102.5 billion recurrent expenditure and N86,308 billion capital expenditure.
He said that the budget was designed to enable the government to adequately mobilise resources to contain the security challenge bedevilling the state.
“To this end, the sum of N20 billion has been budgeted for the security sector.
“Similarly, to enable us to respond to humanitarian challenges arising from banditry and related crimes, we are devoting the sum of N10.8 billion for humanitarian services,” Matawalle said.
According to him, the government has made a substantial allocation for the education subsector to the tune of N21.2 billion while the Health sector has been allocated N18.4 billion.
”Also, agriculture is allocated the sum of N4,867,000,000 for 2023,” he said.
Matawalle said the government had earmarked funds for the completion of ongoing projects across the state in the budget.
”We also intend to undertake the following projects during the year 2023:
“Provision of relief materials for the victims of banditry, flood, and other disasters has been earmarked the sum of N8.3 billion
“Completion of Gusau International Airport, which is earmarked the sum of N4 billion.
“Construction of an Ultra-Modern Stadium & Hotel in Gusau, which is expected to cost N5 billion,” he said.
Matawalle said that a joint UBEC and UNICEF intervention would receive N4.5 billion, while the construction of Tsafe- Yankuzo Road will receive N2 billion in the budget.
“Completion of ongoing township roads and construction of new urban roads will cost the sum of N2 billion.
“Food Security Grants to Farmers will receive the sum of N1.5 billion.
“Construction of State Catering Hotels in the three zones will have the sum of N1.3 billion Renovation of Jubril Bala Yakubu Secretariat is to be allocated N1 billion,” he said.
The governor thanked the Speaker and members of the state assembly for the solidarity and resilience they have demonstrated in all matters brought before them.
“This has always been the source of success for our administration. So, I solicit you to maintain the tempo for the overall development of our dear state.
“To the good people of Zamfara State, I must appreciate your patience, resilience, prayers, and goodwill which are the bedrock of our successes.
“In spite of the trying times of insecurity and attendant economic hardships, you have always remained resolute against all odds,” Matawalle said.
Responding, Speaker Nasiru Magarya lauded government’s efforts toward tackling banditry and kidnapping in the state.
He promised speedy passage of the budget for the government to continue the good work for the people of the state.
