The Katsina State government is planning to allocate a total of N56,469,900,378.70 for personnel costs, pension, and gratuity in its proposed 2024 budget. The intricate budgetary considerations underscore the governmental commitment to addressing the financial requisites associated with employee remuneration, retirement benefits, and related financial commitments within the specified timeframe.
This information was disclosed by the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Bello Kagara, during the presentation of the budget breakdown at the Old Government House in Katsina. The overall proposed budget for 2024 is N454,308,862,113.96, which was submitted to the State House of Assembly a couple of weeks ago. Notably, the budget is structured with 72.63% dedicated to capital expenditure and 27.37% to recurrent expenditure.
Comparatively, the proposed budget for 2024 reflects a significant increase of N153,675,604,150.96, marking a rise of 51.11% when compared to the 2023 budget. The capital expenditure constitutes N329,979,518,595.97 (72.37%), while the recurrent expenditure amounts to N124,329,343,517.99 (27.37%).
Breaking down the recurrent expenditure, the commissioner explained that N124,329,900,378.70 is allocated, with N38,557,668,760.40 for personnel costs/CRF salaries and N17,912,231,618.30 for pension and gratuity. Additionally, other recurrent expenditures such as debt servicing, self-sustained revenue, and overhead costs make up N67,859,443,139.29, bringing the total recurrent expenditure to N124,329,343,517.99.
The commissioner emphasized that the theme of the budget is “Building Your Future.” It is anticipated that the financing for this budget will come from internally generated revenue, the government’s share from the Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC), and capital receipts from aids and grants, as well as the capital development fund.
A significant proportion of the civil servants within the state have openly conveyed their contentment regarding the governance provided by the state government. In their collective sentiments, they affirmatively express that the present leadership is deemed commendable. According to their perspectives, they have consciously opted for a leader who, in their view, embodies qualities and actions reflective of effective and positive governance.
