Plateau State Unveils N499.45bn 2025 Budget: Education, Health, Security Take Center Stage

By Asile Abel, Jos

The Plateau State Government has rolled out its 2025 budget, christened the “Budget of Consolidation and Sustainability,” spotlighting robust investments in education, health, and security as cornerstones of its development agenda. Presented by Hon. Adam’s B. Lekshak, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, the N499.45 billion fiscal plan signals a bold step to solidify past gains while tackling pressing economic challenges through strategic resource allocation.

Speaking at the budget presentation in Jos, Hon. Lekshak described the 2025 budget as a “blueprint for sustainable development,” emphasizing its role in fostering economic stability and citizen welfare. “This is more than a financial document—it’s our commitment to building a thriving Plateau State,” he declared. The budget reflects a hefty N184.59 billion increase over the 2024 estimate, driven by priorities like peacebuilding, enhanced security, and socio-economic transformation.

The 2025 budget splits into N207.18 billion (41.48%) for recurrent expenditure and N292.26 billion (58.51%) for capital projects, underscoring the government’s emphasis on long-term infrastructure and development. Recurrent costs include N67.14 billion for personnel and N140.04 billion for operational expenses, while capital spending targets transformative sectors.

Economic Sector leads with N154.31 billion (52.8% of capital expenditure), including N17.28 billion for agriculture to boost food security through farm inputs and equipment

The Economic Sector leads with N154.31 billion (52.8% of capital expenditure), including N17.28 billion for agriculture to boost food security through farm inputs and equipment. Works and Transport secures N27.83 billion for road projects, facilitating economic connectivity, while Finance and Economics gets N36.14 billion to streamline government initiatives.

In the social sector, education emerges as a flagship priority with N22.51 billion (7.7% of capital funds) allocated to revamp infrastructure and empower human capital. Health also receives substantial backing to enhance healthcare delivery, though specific figures await further breakdown. Security, a linchpin of the administration’s strategy, underpins these investments, with peace promotion cited as a catalyst for growth.

The government projects N499.45 billion in total revenue, comprising N242.51 billion from recurrent sources—N52.31 billion from internally generated revenue (IGR) and N190.20 billion from FAAC shares—plus N256.93 billion from grants, aids, and the Capital Development Fund. Hon. Lekshak stressed transparency, noting, “Every kobo is accounted for,” with the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) 2025-2027 guiding fiscal discipline and diversification.

We must work together to unlock Plateau’s potential

Hon. Lekshak urged revenue agencies and citizens to rally behind the budget’s vision, emphasizing accountability as a shared responsibility. “We must work together to unlock Plateau’s potential,” he said.

Echoing this, Finance Commissioner Mrs. Dongkum Grace Shwarta, in her closing remarks, underscored citizen engagement as vital to governance. She highlighted the budget’s online availability and invited public scrutiny, saying, “Your role as watchdogs keeps us accountable.” Mrs. Shwarta reaffirmed the government’s openness to dialogue, thanking attendees and praying for their safe return.

The 2025 budget positions Plateau State to confront its challenges head-on, leveraging education, health, and security as drivers of sustainable growth. With a clear focus on consolidating achievements and unlocking new opportunities, the administration aims to pave the way for a prosperous future, one strategic investment at a time.