By Friday Idachaba, Lokoja
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State has submitted a supplementary budget proposal of N22.1 billion to the Kogi State House of Assembly for approval, raising the state’s 2025 fiscal budget from N582.4 billion to N604.5 billion.
The proposal was contained in an executive letter signed by the Governor and read by the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Aliyu Umar Yusuf, during Tuesday’s plenary session in Lokoja.
Governor Ododo noted that the adjustment was necessary to address pressing national and local economic challenges affecting the state and its people.
“You will recall that the approved budget for the year 2025, amounting to N582,404,109,489.00, requires adjustment and upward review to adequately address the prevailing state of the nation as it impacts our state,” the governor stated.
He cited key factors such as the removal of fuel subsidy, ongoing infrastructural development, rising inflation, and the need to strengthen security as the rationale behind the supplementary budget.
“This will bridge the existing gap and further enhance the safety and security of our state for both residents and prospective investors,” he added.
The governor formally requested legislative approval for the supplementary budget of N22,124,873,229.00, bringing the revised total budget to N604,528,992,708.00.
In response, Speaker Yusuf committed the supplementary budget to the House Committee on Budget and Appropriation for further legislative scrutiny, with a directive to report back within two legislative weeks.
In a separate development during the Tuesday plenary, Governor Ododo forwarded the name of Dr. Mohammed Shuaibu Ozigi to the Assembly for screening and confirmation as Director-General of the Kogi State Geographical Information Service (KOGIS).
His nomination is in accordance with Section 7(1) of the law establishing KOGIS.
The Speaker urged legislators currently on oversight assignments to return for the crucial screening exercise scheduled for Wednesday, May 7th, and directed the Clerk of the House, Alhaji Ahmed Chogudo, to formally notify the nominee.