Northern groups laud Gov Namadi for 2025 budget
By Umar Akilu Majeri, Dutse
2025 budget
The group, under the leadership of Comrade Ukashatu Bello, State Coordinator of CNG, expressed strong support for the governor’s commitment to sustainable development, economic growth, and the overall well-being of the state’s residents.
In a statement released over the weekend, Comrade Bello highlighted the budget’s ambitious allocation across key sectors, which align closely with national and international priorities, particularly those set by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
The budget’s proposed 17.2% allocation to education is praised as a step in the right direction, surpassing UNESCO’s recommended 15–20% threshold for education spending.
“We commend Governor Namadi for prioritizing education and infrastructure, as these are crucial pillars for long-term growth. The 76% of the budget allocated to capital projects signals a clear focus on sustainable development and job creation,” Bello said.
A standout feature of the budget is its substantial investment in renewable energy, which includes the development of a 100 MW solar power plant and a solar panel manufacturing facility.
According to Bello, this aligns not only with the state’s local development needs but also with Nigeria’s energy transition goals and global sustainability targets.
In addition to infrastructure and renewable energy, the coalition applauded the governor’s focus on health, specifically the establishment of a medical village and diagnostic center.
“Youth empowerment is another area where this budget excels. The N20 billion earmarked for small business support and youth development demonstrates the administration’s recognition of the youth’s potential as drivers of economic growth,” Bello emphasized.
In an encouraging move for environmental sustainability, the budget also allocates N16.8 billion toward climate resilience projects, a critical step in mitigating the impacts of climate change in the state.
However, despite these impressive allocations, the Coalition of Northern Groups called for additional focus on key areas.
They stressed that the healthcare sector’s allocation of just 5.7%, while appreciated, falls short of the Abuja Declaration’s target of 15%.
Bello advocated for an increase in funding to the health sector to expand services and improve infrastructure.
The coalition also highlighted the need for a more robust focus on agriculture and food security, given Jigawa’s agrarian economy.
Further, the group urged the state government to prioritize transparency and accountability in the implementation of the budget.
Bello emphasized that strong mechanisms should be put in place to ensure that funds are effectively utilized, which would build public trust and enhance development outcomes across the state.
The coalition also recommended increased local government funding, advocating for decentralization to improve service delivery at the grassroots level.
Comrade Ukashatu Bello called on the Jigawa State House of Assembly to act swiftly in passing the 2025 budget, ensuring its timely execution.
