Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has presented a record-breaking ₦971 billion budget for the 2025 fiscal year to the Enugu State House of Assembly. Titled the “Budget of Exponential Growth and Inclusive Prosperity,” the proposal reflects an ambitious 86.4% increase from the ₦521.5 billion allocated in the 2024 budget.
The proposed budget designates ₦837.9 billion (86%) for capital expenditure and ₦133.1 billion (14%) for recurrent expenditure, marking a significant push towards infrastructure development and economic growth. With the education sector receiving ₦320.6 billion, representing over 33% of the total budget, Governor Mbah reiterated his administration’s commitment to building a knowledge-based economy and eradicating poverty in the state.
During his presentation, Governor Mbah highlighted Enugu’s impressive fiscal strides, particularly in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), which surged by 286.2% from ₦37.4 billion in 2023 to ₦144.7 billion by September 2024. This remarkable growth, he noted, underscores the state’s efforts to reduce reliance on federal allocations and strengthen financial autonomy.
The 2025 budget prioritizes long-term infrastructure projects, including roads, bridges, water supply, and modernized transportation systems. The health sector is set to receive ₦45.8 billion, while agriculture and agro-industrialization are allocated ₦82.3 billion, aimed at combating food inflation and enhancing food security.
Governor Mbah also unveiled transformative plans for the state’s air transport system, which include acquiring four additional aircraft, concessioning the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, and constructing a new international cargo terminal. Additionally, a taxi modernization scheme will be introduced through a public-private partnership to improve urban mobility.
Reflecting on the 2024 fiscal performance, Governor Mbah disclosed that the state had achieved ₦459.9 billion in revenue by October 2024, representing 88% of the total budget target. He expressed optimism that IGR would surpass ₦200 billion by the end of the year, further solidifying the state’s economic stability.
The Speaker of the Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, praised the governor’s leadership and forward-thinking economic agenda. He assured the Assembly’s commitment to expediting the budget’s approval to support the administration’s developmental objectives.
Governor Mbah’s historic budget proposal underscores his vision of transforming Enugu into one of Nigeria’s top three states by GDP while eradicating poverty and driving sustainable growth across the region. The 2025 fiscal plan reflects a bold step toward achieving these transformative goals.
ADBN NEWS.
