BEING AN ADDRESS BY
MALAM DIKKO UMARU RADDA, Phd, GOVERNOR OF KATSINA STATE, DURING THE PRESENTATION OF THE STATE 2024 BUDGET PROPOSAL ON REVENUES AND EXPENDITURE TO THE KATSINA STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY, HOLDING AT JUSTICE MAMMAN NASIR HOUSE, KATSINA ON 1ST NOVEMBER, 2023
PROTOCOLS
1. Mr. Speaker, I stand before this Honorable House today by the Will and Mercy of Almighty Allah to present the 2024 Draft Budget as proposed by the government of Katsina state.
The budget presented today is guided by optimism but rooted in reality. The revenue projections are pragmatic and the expenditure estimates are linked to the core of our strategic policy. Our future building project has commenced and this budget has been designed to lay the foundations for a prosperous Katsina state.
2. The “Building Your Future” promise was not empty. As we campaigned in all of the 361 wards in our beloved state, we compiled the needs of our people into a comprehensive promise book. This budget is the first step towards fulfilling our promises to the people. May Allah support us all in our effort towards our obligations to the people and forgive us where we fail.
3. The “Building Your Future” Strategic Policy was guided by what we called the BLOCKS Framework. As you all know, the B is for Budget. I have always believed that achieving policy objectives must begin with preparing budgets that are linked to relevant policies and for this reason I instructed all MDAs to prepare their budgets in line with our strategic policies. I have personally called for MDAs to defend their budget before me to ensure that our new approach to effective and efficient governance is ingrained in the budget.
4. Mr. Speaker, this is my administration’s first annual budget proposal and I am determined to ensure that it is fully implemented for the benefit of our people. The relationship between the Executive and Legislative arms of government will be key to achieving our common objectives. I would like to thank the state assembly for the support we have received thus far and I look forward to working together towards building a better future for the people of Katsina state.
THE GOVERNANCE/BUDGET ENVIRONMENT
5. Mr. Speaker, everyone present today is well aware of the challenges facing our country and our beloved state. At the national level we are faced with unprecedented levels of inflation, a rapid and uncontrollable devaluation of our currency, and declining productivity of the oil and gas sector. While we endeavor to increase internally generated revenues, the macroeconomic effects on our state and our people will play a major role in the success of our policy objectives.
6. At the state level, we are bedeviled by insecurity in a majority of local government areas. This has led to poor productivity especially in our agricultural sector which provides livelihood for over 85% of our people. Insecurity breeds a total collapse of socio-economic development and Mr. Speaker, if we do not address insecurity, we may face a vicious circle of poverty causing insecurity and vice-versa. We also have a low level of internally generated revenue because the IGR system is poorly coordinated and barely implemented.
We have already made plans to digitize revenue collection and block all leakages in the system. The manufacturing sector in the state is also poor even for agro-allied production.
Mr. Speaker this is unacceptable and we must make the necessary investments that will allow industries to thrive in Katsina state. The growth of internally generated revenue is tied to the development and success of small and medium enterprises.
7. Our social investments to support our most vulnerable will be second to none. We will harness existing development partner interventions and synergize them with our internal efforts to ensure that our people get the best social support systems available. Mr. Speaker, I do not shy away from counterpart funding for the benefit of our people and this administration’s effort so far is a testament to that.
8. Our education sector is in dire need of reform. The success of our children and the chances of a better future begins with education.
The challenges facing the education sector has remained despite large amounts of intervention from development partners. Mr. Speaker, we have massive deficits in facilities and infrastructure which cannot be solved in one budget cycle. Our teachers need more training and the entire system must have a better monitoring and evaluation mechanism to ensure value for money.
9. The health sector is overstretched and inflation is making healthcare unaffordable for the poor. The choice between food and going to hospital is one that no one in Katsina should have to make and this administration is determined to turn the tide. Our expecting mothers and children must receive adequate nutrition, preventative healthcare must be fully introduced, and service delivery at the primary healthcare level must be vastly improved to meet the immediate healthcare needs of our people.
10. Katsina State is fighting both insecurity and climate change which is a deadly combination. This administration will recognize and pay attention to the effects of climate change on agriculture and food security. We will work with global partners to mitigate the effects of climate change and also sensitize our people towards climate resilient practices.
11. My administration campaigned on public sector administration reform and I have made that clear at every opportunity. I began with merit-based appointments at the echelon of civil service and a comprehensive reform will unfold during the lifetime of this government. We can only achieve all we have set out do with an effective public sector that has the right institutions, people, service charter, and leadership to drive policies. This administration will not tolerate any form of corruption and all public servants will be held to the highest standards of governance.
My administration will introduce performance based systems that will tie public servants to clear objectives in line with our strategic policy. The time is now for people to come to work and serve their people to the best of their ability. May Allah help them and we the leaders towards discharging our duties.
REVIEW OF THE 2023 BUDGET PERFORMANCE
12. Reviewing the Budget Performance of Katsina State in the 2023 financial year cannot be accurate without reference to the socio-economic challenges that characterized it: it was an election year; Governments at all levels were struggling with insufficient revenues; high inflation rates aggravated by skyrocketing exchange rates against the Naira; and high cost of living which was heightened by removal of fuel subsidy; divergent forms of anti-economic sabotage. All these affected the size of revenues accruing to the states confers.
13. Again, as highlighted above, the state is bedevilled by criminalities of the highest order: Banditry, Kidnapping, Cattle rustling, rapes, arsons, and attacks, especially on our farmers. The result was that, a significant part of the state’s revenue was channeled in tackling these criminalities.
14. It should be noted, Mr. Speaker, that the “Transition Budget” (2023) by the last administration was mainly designed to complete on-going Projects, but included some vital projects that were expected to be completed by the end of the Administration’s tenure.
However, in accordance with Government desire of providing meaningful infrastructure, result oriented projects and programmes were executed. Some were completed, handed-over and put to use, while some are on-going.
15. However, due to the prevailing insecurity in the State, some projects were put on hold or suspended. The Major areas of achievements are in our fights against insecurity, Uplifting the Standard of Education, Provision of Water and Sanitation, Health Infrastructure and facilities, Physical and ICT Infrastructure, Poverty Alleviation/palliatives.
16. It is my pleasure, therefore, Mr Speaker, Honourable Members, to present to you a review of the Performance of the 2023 Budget.
THE 2023 BUDGET PERFORMANCE
17. The outlook of the State’s total Recurrent Revenue and Expenditures as at September, 2023 is:
RECURRENT REVENUE
Is in the total sum of: N108,399,990,460.83
This comprised of:
N73,888,249,857.65 – Government Shares of FAAC
N12,577,375,881.48 – Independent Revenue
N20,768,868,057.80 – Aids and Grants
N1,165,496,663.80 – Capital Development Fund (CDF) RECEIPTS
TOTAL N108,399,990,460.83
RECURRENT EXPENDITURES
This is in the sum of N102,793,664,294.58 with a surplus balance of N5,606,326,166.22
The breakdown of the expenditure is:
Recurrent Expenditure = N54,686,242,239.11
Capital Expenditure = N47,907,422,055.47
TOTAL N102,793,664,294.58
SECTORAL PERFORMANCE
INFRASTRUCTURE
18. Significant Investment has been made to provide critical infrastructure in the state. This is in keeping with the APC Manifesto of pro-poor/common agenda. Attention was paid to building roads, especially in rural communities, including an Interchange flyover and underpass bridges at the state capital. The total investment for these initiatives amounts to 28,556,284,023.76, with an average project completion rate of 72%. The major road projects were awarded to several established contractors while rural roads of over 25km were completed by the Katsina State Roads Maintenance Agency. Among the 19 road projects, 15 were executed in rural areas, while 5 were situated within the state capital.
EDUCATION
19. Education is generally believed to be the vehicle for reshaping the values and norms of individuals and societies. My Administration has therefore restructured the Education Sector by establishing a Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education to take care of Primary and Secondary Education and upgraded the Department of Higher Education to the Ministry of Higher, Technical, and Vocational Education for greater efficiency.
20. The state greatly benefited from donor agencies, enhancing education. The AGILE project is building 75 secondary schools, with more planned in Partnership with other Donor Agencies. Projects include restoring GSS Funtua, GDSS Jikamshi refurbishments, and GDSS Kambarawa furniture. I initiated three Model Schools, one in each Senatorial Zone, to support the state’s top talents. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, this is a giant project for which I require the support and cooperation of all of you to sustain.
21. Furthermore, we awarded scholarships to 47,935 students across 126 institutions locally and internationally. Notably, students from public schools studying MBBS, Biochemistry, and Artificial Intelligence in Egypt received scholarships. We’ve resolved outstanding project payments in our tertiary institutions and set up a committee to verify all outstanding liabilities. Funds have been allocated for Umaru Musa Yar’adua University accreditation efforts. Additionally, we provided instructional materials to primary and secondary schools, along with covering WAEC fees for SSIII students.
HEALTH
22. Health is wealth. The desire of the government to keep the citizens healthy enough to live meaningful lives, engage in productive businesses and trades prompted this administration to make adequate provisions on healthcare services. Plan was made to conduct Healthcare Needs Assessment, Re-engage retired Medical Doctors and other skilled health personnel to fill shortages where necessary; Roll out additional PHCs facilities into DRF scheme; Absorb casual workers in the Primary Healthcare Centers and General Hospitals across the 34 LGAs; Reposition environmental health workers (DUBA – Gari) activities in the state.
23. We’ve revitalized Mobile Clinics, completed the UMYUK Medical School at Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, and established three functional Sexual Assault and Referral Centers (SARC) in each senatorial zone. Our investments in healthcare are yielding positive outcomes. Construction of a 16-bed Dialysis Center at General Amadi Rimi Specialist Hospital has commenced, a pioneering facility in Northern Nigeria. Funds were allocated for the upgrading of multiple healthcare centers and the distribution of 198 motorcycles for Routine Immunization Officers and Ward Focal Persons in partnership with GAVI and UNICEF. Moreover, 546 medical students received allowances, both domestic and overseas.
WATER RESOURCES
24. Mr. Speaker, Distinguished Honourable Members, “Water is Life”. We have, in spite of the limited resources, executed eye-catching projects in the Water Resources Sub-sector. We have commenced the Reticulation of Water Pipelines in Batagarawa and Katsina Local Government Areas (LGAs) in collaboration with “SURWASH”.
25. We’ve initiated water pipeline reticulation projects in collaboration with “SURWASH” in Batagarawa and Katsina LGAs and awarded contracts for water treatment chemical supply. Borehole and latrine construction and rehabilitation in various locations are either completed or ongoing, including solar-powered boreholes. Work on Musawa Water Works and a Memorandum of Understanding with the Infrastructural Cooperation of Nigeria to expand water supply is underway. We’ve also restructured the Semi Urban Water Supply Department to align with the Water Sector’s standards, now operating as the Department of Small Towns Water Supply.
ENVIRONMENT
26. This House approved the establishment of the Ministry for Environment under my predecessor to ensure environmental sustainability through flood and erosion control, increased resilience to climate change effects, waste management and pollution control.
27. With the assistance of development partners, we’ve undertaken various projects in Bindawa, Rijiyar Tsamiya, Unguwar Bawa, and Batagarawa Lowcost under the Emergency Flood and Erosion Control Projects. Approximately N1,314,208,159.04 has been invested in 13 flood-prone communities, with some projects already completed and others ongoing. In addition, contracts have been awarded for the construction of Danja – Bazanga – Nahuce Demonstration Road under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Projects (RAAMP) and for the Jibia Storm Water Drainage and River Bank Protection Phase II and Tree Planting Project at Umaru Musa Yar’adua University, Bala Abdullahi College of Administration Funtua, and Dr. Yusuf Bala Usman College, Daura, all funded with counterpart funds.
AGRICULTURE
28. A significant percentage of our populace are farmers, with Agriculture as the bedrock of the State economy. It is therefore, the dream of this administration to revitalize farming through the effective utilization of modern inputs and implements. Thus, to boost Agricultural production, the Ministry was restructured and for the first time in many years, a Commissioner was assigned to the Ministry.
29. We are planning to enhance local livestock species through genetic improvement, establish pasturelands with Earth Dams and Boreholes, improve stock routines and grazing reserves, bolster the Annual Vaccination Programme against major livestock diseases, and introduce a Mobile Veterinary Service for rural farmers. Additionally, we aim to establish a system for processing and trading hides and skin through Public-Private Partnerships. Funds have been allocated for Ranch Infrastructural development in multiple LGAs, small earth Dams, and Pasture Land Development Projects in various areas.
30. This Administration intend to Establish Agricultural Prices Guarantee Scheme through Public Private Partnership; Recruit Qualified Extension Staff; Engage the Services of retired extension staff for training and mentoring; Introduce e-Extension and other Technology driven Agricultural Practices as a pilot scheme.
SECURITY
31. The protection of people’s lives and properties is the cardinal principles of our Administration. Consequently, I, Malam Dikko Umaru Radda PhD, wish to reiterate that my Administration will leave no stone unturned in our quest to reclaim the lost glory of Katsina, as the “Home of Heritage and Hospitality”, a peaceful State for viable socio-economic interactions.
32. Certainly, Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, Katsina State is being ruined by banditry, kidnapping, cattle rustling and other anti-social, anti-economic and amoral activities. Our commitment to sustaining the onslaught against these miscreants is non-negotiable. We have said it, times without number that, it is a start to finish fight to which, Insha Allah, we will emerge victorious.
33. Note, Mr. Speaker that, the State has deployed several measures including preaching, persuasions, appeals and negotiations for them to eschew criminality and embrace the fear of God and return to normalcy, but to no avail. I therefore, found it imperative, in line with my campaign promises, to fight them as a last option. Hence, I launched the Community Security Watch Corps on the 10th October, 2023.
34. To ensure the accomplishment of this crusade, the Administration, in conjunction with the thirty four Local Government Councils, committed over Seven Billion Naira (N7,000,000,000.00) on security matters in Katsina State. All Centered on security intelligence gathering, information screening, and the training of Katsina security personnel, we are investing in the procurement of vehicles, uniforms, arms, ammunition, and various equipment. Additionally, infrastructure development is a key component of these efforts.
35 Mr. Speaker, Hon. Members, ladies and gentlemen, our pioneering and pacesetting initiatives in tackling insecurity have been acknowledged and become role models for other States. We thank you immensely for the support you rendered in achieving this feat.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE 2024 BUDGET ESTIMATE
36. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, permit me to present to the “Building Your Future” Budget. Let me begin by stating that this budget stems from the input of our best and brightest. As you are well aware, I campaigned on the Building Your Future Strategic Policy. I also shared the policy with over 200 of Katsina’s finest across 13 sectors to get their input towards developing a blueprint to guide our actions as a government. That blueprint was shared with all MDAs and forms the basis for the budget presented today.
57. Any budget developed without clear policy objectives is bound to be sub-optimal. We have adopted ongoing budget items and aligned them to the strategic policies of this administration. Our blueprint will serve the short, medium, and long-term goals of this administration and will be dynamic enough to change with the unfolding realities of our dear state. Mr. Speaker, this is the budget of reality. The days of bloated budgets, poor budget performance, and rolled over projects are behind us forever Insha Allah.
TOTAL BUDGET SIZE
58. The total Budget size for 2024 fiscal year is N454,308,862,113.96, 72.63% of which is for Capital Expenditure, while 27.37% is for the Recurrent Expenditure. The Budget is comparatively higher than that of 2023 by N153,675,604,150.96 representing a 51.11% increase. The 72.63% translates to N329,979,518,595.97 while, the 27.37% is in the sum of N124,329,343,517.99.
RECURRENT REVENUE
59. The total amount of Recurrent Revenue projected to finance the 2024 Budget is the sum of N188,061,977,186.28 which comprises N40,000,000,000.00 as Internally Generated Revenue from the State Board of Internal Revenue and other MDAs, plus the projected Revenue to be received from the Federation Account, which is estimated at the sum of N148,061,977,168.28
60. It is Important to note that the 2024 Recurrent Revenue has decreased by N4,551,098,575.61 representing 9.76% decrease as against the 2023 Revised Budget. Similarly, the Capital Expenditure in the 2024 Budget has increased by 69.91% due to hike in Capital Receipts.
RECURRENT EXPENDITURE
61. The Recurrent Expenditure of the 2024 Budget is broken into the following components:
Personnel Cost/crf Salaries = N38,557,668,760.40
Pension and Gratuity = N17,912,231,618.30
Totaling N56,469,900,378.70 representing 45.42%
Other Recurrent Expenditure
(Debt Servicing, Self – sustain Expenditure & overhead
Costs) =N67,859,443,139.29
representing 54.58%
and all these totalling = N124,329,900,378.70
making it 100%
CAPITAL EXPENDITURE
62. The sum of N329,979,518,595.97 which is equivalent to 72.63% of the total Budget as highlighted above, is estimated for the Capital Expenditure. In line with the International Public Sector Accounting standard (IPSAS), the following are the four sectoral allocations recognized by IPSAS:
SECTOR ALLOCATIONS %
Economic Sector = N191,728,325,853.87 = 50.00%
Social Sector = N112,751,926,906.98 = 34.17%
Administration = N23,870,699,798.12 = 7.23%
Law & Justice = N1,628,566,037.00 = 0.50%
Total = N329,979,518,595.97 = 100%
GOVERNMENT TURN AROUND ALLOCATIONS IN THE MAIN SECTORS
63. Mr. Speaker, building a better future is not an easy task. The resources required are vast and span from financial to human resources. While budgets are in figures, impact is often intangible and sometimes immeasurable. We have prioritized education, health and social care, agriculture, environment, public sector reforms, MSMEs and the rural economy, and above all security. We understand that each sector has infrastructural needs so we will invest in power, roads, and water. Our drive to boost revenues through digitization and other growth measures is expected to allow us to deliver on our budget proposal. Mr. Speaker, no sector in this budget is an island. We are implementing a carefully coordinated budget that will meet the needs of our people.
In accordance with these expectations, we have prioritized our capital spending to the following sectors:
They are:
Water Resources = N67,161,802,447.39 = 20.35%
Education = N66,422,889,400.21 = 20.13%
Works = N53,482,733,251.59 = 16.20%
Health = N38,326,241,172.23 = 11.62%
Environment = N37,700,116,210.24 = 11.43%
Agriculture = N20,513,909,753.71 = 06.21%
Sub-total = N283,607,872,235.37 = 85.95%
Other MDAs = N46,371,646,360.60 = 14.05%
Total = N329,979,518,595.97 = 100%
CONCLUSION
64. Mr. Speaker, we rely on Allah alone. We have planned and Allah plans and Allah is the best of Planners. We can only pray that our plans are supported by Allah. What we must bring to this task of governance is immense political will and the utmost sincerity of purpose. Allah sees what is in our hearts and I urge all of us in government to be mindful of Allah in discharging our duties. Surely, we will one day be held to account.
65. Alhamdulillah, Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, Ladies and Gentlemen, I will like to conclude this presentation by appealing to all and sundry in the State to be patient and pray vehemently for Almighty Allah to support our mission to build a better future for our people. The bandits and kidnappers and all those causing insecurity in our beloved state should abandon their mission and embrace the socio-economic development that will come with successfully implementing this budget. Their mothers, sisters, children, fathers, and brothers will all benefit from our policies and it is imperative that they allow peace to reign in their localities. Our determination to make Katsina a better place for all will never be diminished.
66. Mr. Speaker, I feel at home working with this Honourable Assembly of highly respected, friendly and loving Representatives under your able leadership. I thank all of you for your support and cooperation. As we look forward to your approval of these estimates and serving our people better in the year 2024, I expect more collaboration with you.
67. Let me at this juncture also recognize and appreciate the invaluable, kind and technical services this Government has been receiving from the Judiciary. We cannot thank the Chief Judge of the State enough, but we can hail him and his team. We require more of his leadership prowess. To our Traditional Institutions, under their Royal Highnesses, the Emirs of Katsina and Daura; the Council of Ulamah; The Christian Association of Nigeria; the Security Agencies, Gentlemen of the Press, we value and cherish your roles and partnerships in running this administration. We therefore, thank you.
68. Lastly, I wish to put on record my appreciation to all members of the State Executive Council for their constructive support and dedication in serving the State in their various Ministries, Departments and Agencies. Let me close by acknowledging the painstaking effort of the State’s Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning for meeting my target in developing this Budget proposal.
Thank you very much, indeed.
