The Justice, Development, and Peace Commission (JDPC) Nnewi, hosted a capacity-building session for Ward Development Committees (WDCs) and Officers-in-Charge (OICs) of Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) in Onitsha North LGA.
The event, held under the Strengthening Public Accountability for Results and Knowledge (SPARK II) Project, aimed to empower stakeholders in healthcare delivery and strengthen the state’s primary healthcare system.
In his welcome address, Rev. Fr. Benedict Chima Okolo, Director of JDPC Nnewi, emphasized the importance of the workshop in enhancing public accountability and health outcomes, particularly in maternal and child healthcare.
The initiative, supported by the International Budget Partnership (IBP) and implemented in collaboration with the Community Empowerment Network (COMEN) and Civil Rights Concerns (CRC), seeks to address critical challenges in healthcare delivery.
Rev. Fr. Okolo acknowledged the support of the Ministry of Health and the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA), highlighting their contributions to improving health service delivery.
He stressed the pivotal role of WDC members and PHC officers in managing and ensuring transparency in the utilization of the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF), a cornerstone of Nigeria’s health financing reform aimed at achieving universal health coverage.
The Executive Secretary, ASPHCDA, Pharm Chisom Uchem delivered her goodwill message, highlighting their commitment to collaborate in strengthening maternal and child healthcare.
The training, which was conducted by the resource person Dr Ngozi, addressed public finance management, budget tracking, and immunization advocacy.
Interactive activities, including Question & Answer sessions, group discussions, and action plan development, encouraged participants to collaborate on practical solutions for system inefficiencies.
The training concluded with the distribution of post-test evaluations and a call to action for participants to leverage their roles in fostering accountability, trust, and improved healthcare delivery in their communities.
With this initiative, JDPC and its partners reaffirmed their commitment to making Anambra State a model for primary healthcare excellence through collaboration, capacity building, and community ownership.
*The officers are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo has reassured commitment in improving the quality of education in the state, aimed at putting Anambra educational system among the world best.
The Governor stated this while receiving members of the Federal House of Representatives Committee on Tetfund and other services at the State Government House, Awka.
Gov. Soludo represented by his Deputy, Dr Onyekachukwu Ibezimpeaking, noted that Anambra over the years has been accessing the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund) and it is being prudently put into good use.
According to him, Anambra is good in management of resources, every kobo given to the state is well accounted and judiciously utilized.
As part of his developmental achievements, especially in the area of education, the governor listed the introduction of free education among pupils and students in the state schools, employment of over 8,000 teachers, reconstruction of numerous schools’ facilities and others.
He commended President Tinubu and the leadership of the Federal House of Representatives for their intervention, while seeking for more funding through the Tetfund agency.
Earlier, the Chairperson of the committee, Hon. Miriam Onuoha, explained that the team is on a working visit to ascertain the level of accessing the tetfund intervention fund for the years under review (2020-2023).
She promised that the committee will avail its expertise with the stakeholders to ensure timely release of any outstanding and that of 2025 intervention fund, stressing that delay in approval and allocation of the fund can cause reduction in value due to inflation surge in the economy.
Also, in their separate interviews, the Commissioner for Education, Prof. Ngozi Chuma- Udeh and the Vice Chancellor Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu University, Prof. Kate Omenugha both described the visit as timely, saying that the education sector of the state is blooming with the recent introduction of free education that has brought education to the doorsteps of Ndi Anambra.
According to them, interventions such as Tetfund has contributed to development by providing conducive learning environment for pupils and students, as well as promoting research and development of staff at the tertiary level.
*Chisom is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
A bill seeking to authorize the sum of ₦606,991,849,118.16 for the services of the Anambra State Government for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2025, has passed its second reading at the State House of Assembly.
The bill was debated extensively during today’s plenary session, following a motion moved by the Majority Leader and member representing Ekwusigo Constituency, Sir Ikenna Ofodeme.
Speaking on the importance of the bill, the majority leader described it as a critical step toward achieving the goals of the state’s Gear 2.0 agenda.
He emphasized that the bill’s swift passage would enable the timely commencement of developmental projects and government programmes from January 1, 2025.
In their contributions, member representing Aguata Constituency 1, Hon. Anayo Okpaleke, member representing Orumba South Constituency, Engr Emma Nwafor and Barr. Obi Nweke representing Anambra East Constituency, commended the governor’s draft estimate and highlighted its alignment with the state’s vision and commitment to improving the welfare of Ndi Anambra.
The Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Somtochukwu Udeze, referred the bill to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation for further scrutiny, and urged the committee to expedite its report to facilitate the bill’s timely passage.
The second reading was unanimously supported by the lawmakers through voice vote.
*Chizoba is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The administration of Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo since inception, two years ago, has been marked by an unwavering commitment towards providing infrastructural development like water, housing, hospitals and road networks across the state, with a vision to enhance governance and improve lives of the people.
Governor Soludo’s administration has also recorded some strategic landmark achievements through the Ministry of Housing, as some projects like the abandoned government house and lodge, in Awka, which has been neglected for long. The state lacked basic infrastructural edifices befitting its status, having produced in the past, leaders like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, among others.
Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, on assumption of office, took a bold step by initiating and awarding numerous projects despite the lean resources. He has embarked on upgrading/remodeling of Anambra State Legislative Complex, Awka; renovation and furnishing of four offices for the Hon. Justice of the Court of Appeal in Awka; reconstruction of Dr. Alex Ekwueme Square into an international event center, and the fencing of the Ultra Modern Skill Acquisition Correctional Center at Onitsha . Others include renovation work and maintainance at Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, and reconstruction of Fire Service Station in Agulu, Anaocha LGA .
The governor has also completed the remodeling of roof structure at Nigeria Correctional Center , Ekwulobia, in Aguata LGA, with four security houses and fuel dump at Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka, with renovation work at Post Primary Schools Service Commission, among others
Other projects still on-going include the construction of 17 unit duplex, boy’s quarter, fencing/ landscaping with ancillary facilities for proposed modernization of Commissioner’s Quarters in Awka.
Strategically, this administration has revitalized some hospitals and schools for improved service delivery at the three Senatorial Zones – Ekwulobia in the South , Enugwu Ukwu in the Central and Umueri in the North, to serve as referral centers in the South East region, with the construction of Security Based Camp at Isuofia, Aguata LGA, to beef up security in that zone. Others are the rehabilitation of Ugborimili Primary School,Fegge Onitsha , construction of 1&2 storey building for offices, exam halls and science laboratories at the Urban Boys Secondary School, Fegge Onitsha, which is a watershed achievement of the Solution Government.
The critical need for people to access quality healthcare has pushed the Soludo administration to quickly embark on construction of six new general hospitals in the state. These hospitals, located across the state at Okpoko in Ogbaru LGA, Oroma Etti in Anambra West LGA , Enugu Otu Aguleri General Hospital, in Anambra East LGA, with the Specialist Hospital, Fegge, in Onitsha South LGA, as well as Anaku General Hospital in Ayamelum LGA, when completed, will serve as key healthcare centers for the growing populace in the rural areas of the state.
Before now, these hospitals were with out adequate equipment, with some dilapidated structures and insufficient medical personnel. But today, Mr Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo has recruited over 300 medical doctors and nurses into the state government hospitals for improved medical services to the people.
Consequently, on entertainment, the Governor is upgrading the Igboukwu Museum in Aguata LGA, while work is at advanced level at the Fun City and Neighborhood Entertainment/Recreational Center in Awka, with the fencing of Safari Park in Anaocha LGA. Meanwhile, proposal has been sent for possible upgrading of Iyiagu and Real Housing Estate for civil servants and Anambra State Secretariat Annex in Awka.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo has done more than just physical structures. He rather injected economic transformation, which definitely will attract both local and international investments that will boost the state’s economic potentials into becoming the Dubai and Taiwan of Africa.
In the long run, these initiatives will also enhance the quality of lives of the people of Anambra State, cementing Governor Soludo’s legacy as a leader who prioritise institutional development, health , entertainment and governance for the common good of all.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s infrastructural and institutional development reflect a deep understanding of the interconnectedness of good governance, with economic growth . These projects will undoubtedly, redefine the landscape of the state, positioning it as a beacon of progress and development in Nigeria, thereby making Anambra State the center of logistics and the Dubai, Taiwan of the country
Worthy of mention are the stallion efforts of the Solution Commissioner, Ministry of Housing, Hon Pauly Onyeka, and his Solution Team, whose expertise and architectural prowess facilitated the success witnessed in housing and infrastructure sector of the Soludo administration.
Ekweaga is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
Traders/transporters have extolled Governor Chukwuma Soludo for bringing solution to traffic problems within Ekwulobia Roundabout as flyover construction hits 95 percent completion.
They made their position public while exchanging views with information officers, who visited the site, on November 21.
The interviewed, Mrs Oluebube Ezenwankwo of New Spring Plaza said, “The pains of demolition of business structures to accommodate construction of this flyover has turned into gain.
“I personally lost my shop during the buildup of the demolition. I packed into an inner shop which was demolished again.It was indeed painful, economic setback, yet joyous, hence without demolition there will be no expansion.
“I must commend Soludo. He did not stop at demolition but went on to construct. The project is about being delivered, which is indeed solution to traffic congestion within Ekwulobia environs. We will no longer waste economic time at the traffic.
“Driving from here to Awka maybe achieved in 30 minutes but if 5 hours are spent on a traffic holdup, the economic wastages becomes enormous.”
Mrs Ezenwankwo added that Soludo has worked himself into 2nd tenure victory, unnecessary critics to blur this obvious fact will only tantamount to noise making, as light cannot be hidden.
The story of Mrs Ezenwankwo is not different from Mr Uchechukwu Chimelum, neither did it differ from that of a cyclist, Mr Timothy Emegharibe and his counterpart Mr Frank Ogbu.
They enjoined individuals who are suffering pains of demolition, as road dualization continues in Anambra State, to bear with Soludo, as it is in the interest of all.
*David and Stella are of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State.
The Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, on Tuesday presented the state’s 2025 budget proposal of N606.99 billion to the State House of Assembly in Awka.
Themed “Changing Gears 2.0”, the budget signifies a 48% increase from the 2024 budget and emphasizes infrastructure, economic transformation, human capital development, and social welfare. Gov. Soludo described the budget as a bold step toward creating a modern, prosperous, and livable homeland.
“This is a budget of consolidation and transformation. With it, we aim to sustain the momentum of our developmental strides while navigating the turbulent economic waters that Nigeria currently faces.” The governor noted that inflationary pressures and the removal of fuel subsidies had presented challenges but emphasized his administration’s commitment to resilience.
The proposed budget dedicates 77% (N467.5 billion) to capital expenditure and 23% (N139.5 billion) to recurrent expenditure. Sectoral increases include education (101.4%), health (57.1%), social services (82.7%), infrastructure (38.9%), and the judiciary (51.3%). Addressing the N148.3 billion budget deficit, Soludo expressed confidence in funding through revenue growth and prudent borrowing, saying, “We remain focused on minimizing debt reliance while maximizing impact”.
Highlighting the achievements of the 2024 “Changing Gears” agenda, Soludo noted progress in education, healthcare, and infrastructure. He pointed to the free education initiative for Senior Secondary 3 students, recruitment of 3,115 teachers and equipping 60 STEM schools. In healthcare, free antenatal care and deliveries supported 70,000 women, while 326 primary health centers and a trauma center at Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital were established.
Infrastructure milestones included 540 kilometers of roads under construction, 310 kilometers completed, and progress on the Ekwulobia flyover. Over one million palm and coconut seedlings were distributed to 130,000 households under the agriculture initiative. Youth empowerment programs like One Youth, Two Skills trained 20,000 youths in technology and entrepreneurship.
For 2025, Soludo outlined ambitious plans, with over 70% of the budget earmarked for infrastructure and economic transformation. Key projects include dualization of the 34- Kilometres Amawbia-to-Imo State road, finalization of the Ekwulobia flyover and urban development under Awka 2.0, Onitsha 2.0, and a new industrial city. “Our vision is to redefine Anambra’s urban and industrial landscape,” he emphasized.
Tourism will see a boost with N10 billion for leisure centers and the redevelopment of Agulu Lake. A 10-storey Marriott Hotel and Africa’s largest shopping mall will be constructed in Awka. In transport, the government plans to enhance mass transit systems and equip Chinua Achebe International Airport with night-landing facilities for 24-hour operations. “Connectivity is vital for economic growth,” Soludo said.
Education receives N11 billion for smart schools, N22 billion for institutional development, and N3 billion for student loans. Healthcare allocations include N5 billion for a cancer hospital, N7 billion for hospital expansion, and N1 billion for free antenatal care. Agricultural efforts continue with N2 billion for palm and coconut seedling distribution, aiming for 10 million seedlings over six years.
The Ministry of Works is allocated N200 billion for road projects, while homeland security receives N2 billion for armored vehicles and equipment. N500 million will fund special projects in riverine and oil-producing areas. The Solution Innovation District will expand operations with N2.24 billion, modeled after Silicon Valley to drive tech growth.
Gov. Soludo pledged focus amid the approaching 2025 election. “While others campaign, we will work relentlessly to deliver our agenda,” he assured. Anambra’s investor-friendly reputation remains intact, as evidenced by the recent ANinvest 2.0 summit, which secured partnerships with Afreximbank and the African Development Bank.
The “Changing Gears 2.0” budget, according to Soludo, represents a transformative leap toward making Anambra a beacon of governance, prosperity, and equity. With bold initiatives and a clear roadmap, the state is poised for sustained growth.
*Key MDA Deliverables in the 2025 Budget*
Ministry of Culture, Entertainment & Tourism–Development of leisure and entertainment centers across the state: ₦10 billion.
Ministry of Women Affairs–Micro Enterprises Support Scheme (MESS): ₦2 billion.
Ministry of Budget & Economic Planning–State Counterpart Fund: ₦5 billion
Ministry of Information–Media outreach, information, communication, and social orientation: ₦5 billion.
Ministry of Works–Completion of ongoing road projects and construction of new ones: ₦200 billion. New Cities Development–Awka, Onitsha, and Industrial City: ₦32 billion. Development Projects–Development of a 4-star hotel: ₦15 billion. Development of new markets: ₦10 billion
Fitting and equipping the new Government House, amphitheater, banquet hall, Governor’s Lodge, security houses, etc.: ₦5 billion. Completion of SID building: ₦3 billion.
Ministry of Transport–Purchase of buses for mass transit and marine infrastructure (buses, jetties, boats): ₦2.5 billion
Homeland Security–Sustaining security through the purchase of armored personnel carriers and other equipment: ₦2 billion
Ministry of Special Duties–Special intervention projects in riverine and oil-producing communities: ₦500 million.
Ministry of Agriculture–Oil palm and coconut seedling program: ₦2 billion.
Ministry of Power & Water Resources–Extension of power to underserved areas, solar streetlights, and solar for government offices: ₦7 billion
Revamping urban water schemes: ₦5 billion.
House of Assembly–Building of legislative quarters: ₦1.5 billion.
Solution Innovation District (SID)–Sustaining and expanding operations of SID: ₦2.24 billion.
Ministry of Youth Development–Youth innovation and empowerment program: ₦3 billion
Ministry of Education–Renovation, construction, and equipping of smart schools: ₦11 billion. Student loan/bursary scheme for students: ₦3 billion. Developing institutions: ₦22 billion. Supplementary funds to secondary schools: ₦1 billion. Transport support for schools: ₦250 million.
Anambra State Solid Minerals Development Company Limited–Development of solid minerals: ₦2.39 billion.
Anambra State Petroleum and Energy Resource Limited–Development of petroleum and energy resources: ₦1.78 billion
Ministry of Health–Construction and equipping of general hospitals: ₦3 billion Accreditation of general hospitals: ₦1 billion. Extension of free antenatal care and delivery: ₦1 billion. Construction and equipping of the College of Nursing and extension of Amaku Teaching Hospital in Aguata: ₦7 billion. Construction of a standalone trauma center: ₦1.5 billion. Upgrading of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu Teaching Hospital: ₦1 billion. Construction of a cancer hospital: ₦5 billion.
Anambra State Erosion, Watershed, and Climate Change Agency–Erosion control: ₦2 billion.
*Maureen is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
The attention of the Anambra State Government has been drawn to some media reports that have excluded Anambra State from the states in Nigeria that have paid the new minimum wage of N70,000. Some media outlets merely managed to capture Anambra State only among the states whose governors have indicated interest in paying the new minimum wage.
To put the record straight, the promise by the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo CFR to pay the new minimum wage was made good since the month of October, when the new minimum wage payment commenced in Anambra State with the payment of October salaries.
To add to it, the state has also adjusted pensions upward to give pensioners in Anambra State higher take-home.
Professor Chukwuma Soludo remains a labour-friendly governor as the workers in Anambra State have not only received the new minimum wage but also continue to receive salary alerts on or before the 25th of every month.
Governor Chukwuma Soludo has on Tuesday presented the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the Anambra State House of Assembly.
This event which was graced by lawmakers, state executives and dignitaries showed the importance of the legislative-executive collaboration in shaping the future of Anambra State.
The Speaker, Rt Hon Somtochukwu Udeze in his welcome address, emphasized the constitutional essence of the gathering under section 121 of the Nigerian Constitution. He highlighted the budget presentation as a foundational step in the state’s fiscal journey, reflecting the administration’s vision for sustainable development and growth.
Udeze who commended Governor Soludo’s commitment to e-governance and transformative leadership, noting that Anambra State now leads in fiscal prudence, ease of doing business, and low rates of out-of-school children in the country,
noted that this progress has been possible through collaborative legislative support and the diligent work of the 8th Assembly.
The speaker also reiterated the Assembly’s unwavering commitment to the core functions of representation, lawmaking, and oversight, with a focus on delivering legislation that aligns with the aspirations of Ndi Anambra.
Udeze highlighted legislative progress, including the approval of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) as a precursor to the detailed budget presentation. He further advocated for the establishment of the Legislative Budget and Research Office (LEBRO), a body that would enhance legislative analysis and oversight functions.
Furthermore, the 8th Assembly is pushing for infrastructural development within the legislative complex, including considerations for a Legislators’ Quarters, complementing the recent enhancements under Governor Soludo’s administration.
Recognizing the integral link between security and development, speaker Udeze called for collective action in addressing the security challenges facing the state. He urged all stakeholders and citizens to contribute to intelligence-sharing and communal efforts to combat insecurity, ensuring that Anambra remains a safe haven for its people and investors alike.
* Okeke is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
Being A Speech at the Presentation of the Draft Anambra State Budget Proposals for 2025 to the Anambra State House of Assembly; Awka: 19th November 2025
Protocol
Mr. Speaker, Honorable Members, it gives me great pleasure to be here again to perform one of our constitutional duties, namely, to present the draft 2025 budget proposals for your kind consideration. Let me put on record that this honorable Assembly has been a very strong and progressive partner in our drive to lay solid foundations for Anambra as a livable and prosperous smart mega city. History will indeed be kind to this 8th Assembly for your commitment, hard work, and productivity. I recall specifically that on Tuesday, June 11, 2024, I signed into law 11 landmark bills passed by this 8th Assembly, covering a wide range of issues for the transformation of Anambra State. I must also not forget the landmark Local Government Administration Law passed by this House which has laid the foundation for a transparent, accountable, developmental, and sustainable local government system in Anambra State. Ndi Anambra appreciate your progressivism.
On November 21, 2023, I was here to present the 2024 Anambra State Budget entitled “Changing Gears: The Transformation Agenda Begins”, which you passed into law. We presented a modest budget of N410 billion for the fiscal year 2024, compared to N259 billion for 2023, which reflects an increase of approximately 57.8%. Recurrent expenditure accounted for N96.2 billion (23.46%), while capital expenditure totaled N313.9 billion (76.54%). The budget deficit was estimated at N120.8 billion. As you are aware, the general macroeconomic conditions under which we had to implement the 2024 budget have been challenging, especially with the immediate consequences of the courageous removal of fuel subsidy and the unification of the exchange rates. Inflation has continued in double digits, with significant pressures on costs of living and cost of governance. Our IGR has been grossly underperforming and as of October 2024, budget performance stood at about 50% pro rata, and we still have resisted the temptation to borrow.
Despite the macroeconomic challenges, we have remained focused on the ball—delivering on all the five fingers of the Solution Agenda: Security, Law & Order; Infrastructure and Economic Transformation; Human Capital and Social Agenda; Governance and Value System; and Environment. We are working hard, rejigging and strengthening our security architecture, and in some days and weeks to come, Ndi Anambra will fully experience our zero tolerance to criminality. Together as a people, we must bond together to defeat the criminals among us.
We have extended our free education policy up to Senior Secondary School Year 3 (SS3) and recruited an additional 3,115 teachers, bringing the total number of teachers recruited to 8,115. There can be no school of any sort—smart or otherwise without qualitative teachers, and we have rightly prioritized the competitive recruitment of the best teachers for our schools. We equipped 60 secondary school laboratories with the required STEM equipment. Furthermore, we have increased the operational budgets for both primary and secondary schools to ensure they can deliver the quality education we promised, among other initiatives. In the health sector, we continue to offer free antenatal and delivery services for pregnant women in the state with over 70,000 women as beneficiaries. The construction/modernization and equipment of 326 primary health centres are at advanced stages. A historic Trauma Centre is being constructed at the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital. The Okpoko General Hospital has been completed and fully operational, and four other new general hospitals will soon be completed. As a proactive government, we have initiated the construction of the Coordinated Wholesale Centre at Oba, and the jinx will soon be broken. This is a crucial step towards eliminating the issues associated with open and unregulated drug markets in the state. To ensure our hospitals are properly equipped, we have begun renovating them and equipping primary healthcare facilities with the necessary solar power, boreholes, and medical equipment. Additionally, we have started the construction of a new nursing school in the state.
Building the capacity and empowering our youth to shape their own future remains our priority through the One Youth, Two Skills training program. The initial 5,000 graduates of the program are now entrepreneurs, and we have launched the second phase of training for 8,700 young people in the state across various skills, setting aside N2.5 billion Naira to support their start-up capital upon successful completion of their training. The Solution Innovation District (SID) has trained 20,000 youths in four major tech skills and recently graduated 1,500 youths in its Code Anambra Program. We are intentionally building the human capital of the future. We are constructing the iconic SID building—our very own Silicon Valley—where the next generation of tech giants will be nurtured.
In response to the ongoing economic hardship and in compliance with the Minimum Wage Law, our administration was one of the first states to announce and implement the new minimum wage. We have gone above and beyond by ensuring that the lowest-paid worker in the state receives a minimum take-home of N70,000 net, not gross. Additionally, as a government founded on the manifesto of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) with a progressive ideal to “leave no one behind”, we have compassionately made a tax-free cash award of N10,000 per month to all pensioners in the state. This government prioritizes the welfare of workers and our pensioners.
Our palm and coconut revolution, along with our “Farm-to-Feed” programs, is in full swing. This year, in addition to distributing over one million palm and coconut seedlings to 130,000 households in the second phase of our initiative, we have also expanded our efforts to include some staple crops that are at risk of extinction. These include the distribution of 200,000 Ukwa seedlings, 50,000 Akilu seedlings, 50,000 Oji Igbo seedlings, and 40,000 pawpaw seedlings. Our goal is to distribute 10 million of these economically beneficial trees to communities and households over the next six years. This initiative serves as one of our key strategies in the sustainable fight against poverty and engineering a new agro-allied industrial revolution of the Dr. M.I. Okpara style.
Over 540 kilometers of roads are under construction, with approximately 310 kilometers already asphalted in 30 months, and with a quality that Anambra has not seen before. The Ekwulobia flyover and bus terminal are nearing completion. The dualization of the 34-kilometre federal highway from Amawbia through Agulu, Ekwulobia and Uga to the Imo State border as well as the dualization of 36 kilometres from Nwagu Agulu-Nnobi- Nnewi, Ozubulu to Okija linking to the Onitsha-Owerri highway is a game changer. These projects signal our bigger agenda to fundamentally transform our transport infrastructure as all Trunk A roads are planned for dualization, in addition to our Rail transport Masterplan. The construction of the link bridge at Aroma, connecting the two parts of Awka. We have broken the 33-year-old jinx of not having a befitting Government House and Governor’s Lodge in Awka: we expect to move within a few weeks. For the first time in decades, urban and rural water schemes are back!
Our vision to turn Anambra into a destination rather than a departure lounge is fully on course. The Solution Fun City, primed to be the biggest in West Africa, is quickly becoming a dream come true and will be commissioned in some weeks to come. Pilling work is on steroids for the 10-storey Marriott Hotel in Awka, while construction will soon begin in the 20 Hectare Awka City Leisure and Entertainment Park. Work is ongoing around Agulu Lake, and an international consultant will soon finalize the masterplans for the four Anambra’s historic tourist sites. Anambra is indeed one big construction site and Awka is gradually looking like a state capital. The list is long.
Mr. Speaker, Honourable members, let me now turn to the 2025 budget proposals. From the foregoing, it is evident that there is no stopping our consistent acceleration in a steadfast execution mode. For sure, 2025 is a governorship election year in Anambra State. Yes, while the politicians will be focusing on politics, we will be intensely and intentionally focusing 100% on the execution of our multi-faceted agenda with a deadline. Consequently, we have titled this budget: “Changing Gears 2.0” with emphasis on acceleration and execution.
The proposed budget size is N606,991,849,118 for the fiscal year 2025. Compared to the 2024 budget of N410,132,225,272, this represents a 48.0% increase. Recurrent expenditures account for N139.5 billion (YoY growth of 45.0%), while capital expenditure is N467.5 billion (YoY growth of 48.9%). The Capital Budget constitutes 77% of the total budget size, while recurrent expenditures account for 23% (the same ratios as for the 2024 budget). The budget deficit is estimated at N148.3 billion (24% of the budget compared to 30% in the 2024 budget). As in the 2024 budget, the deficit is expected to be funded through revenue growth or borrowing from financial institutions. So far in both 2023 and 2024, we did not borrow to finance budget deficits. Depending on the execution in 2025, we may still not borrow to fund the deficit. Relative to 2024, several key sectors are seeing significant increases: the administrative sector by 45.5%; the Economic sector by 40.1%; the Judiciary sector by 51.3%; the social sector by 82.7%; Education by 101.4%; Health by 57.1%; and Infrastructure investment by 38.9%.
We are building upon the iconic projects initiated in 2024 while introducing new ones. Infrastructure and economic transformation as well as Human Capital Development remain the kernel of this administration, and, significantly, at least 70% of the budget is allocated to these sectors. We are progressing the development of three new cities: Awka 2.0, Onitsha 2.0, and a new Industrial City. The Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City Master Plan and the railway master plan/feasibility study have been completed. Afreximbank and AFDB remain committed to supporting the development of the Industrial City. We will continue to enhance the Ease of Doing Business in Anambra to ensure the State becomes the preferred destination for investors. We recently concluded the second edition of the Anambra Investment Summit (ANinvest 2.0), where 10 elite companies signed Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs).
We plan to build the largest shopping mall in Africa and develop leisure centers throughout the State. Recently, we invested in equipment to enhance night landing capabilities at Chinua Achebe International Airport, and we will complete the unfinished business with respect to the airport. Anyone driving to the airport now can see the Solution Touch. We will also make investments in our mass transit systems and marine transport, including buses, jetties, and boats. Additionally, we will continue our efforts to extend power access to underserved communities. We have drafted a regulatory framework to encourage private sector investment in the Anambra Electricity Market, under the National Electricity Amendment Act of 2023. The Anambra State Electricity Policy and bill have been drafted and are currently under review by this Honourable House. We will keep expanding our water projects to ensure that every part of Anambra has access to clean water.
Our focus on human capital will continue, with education and health receiving the pre-eminent attention they deserve. Our goal remains to provide free and qualitative education for every child in Anambra, to enable them to succeed. We will maintain our free education policy and will continue to pay the newly agreed operational costs for schools. We are transforming twenty-two secondary schools into smart schools (with many more to follow in the new year), setting a standard for what an ideal school should be in Anambra. We will continue the aggressive upgrade of infrastructure in our primary schools through the ASUBEB program. Indeed, by 2025, we plan to make significant investments in education so that our students and teachers will smile like never before. We will also continue to support mission schools, especially the “returned mission schools”. So far, the government spends over N1.2 billion a month to pay the salaries of government teachers deployed to these “returned mission schools”, excluding the pensions of teachers that retired from these schools. These subsidies to mission schools help to reduce the cost of primary and secondary education to the parents in Anambra State. We have set up a committee headed by the SSG to work with the Missions to see in what other ways the government can assist, especially the returned schools within its resource constraints to ensure access to qualitative education to every child in Anambra state.
The needs of poor and vulnerable individuals are also addressed in this budget. More than 100,000 households will receive ten or more seedlings of coconut, palm, ukwa, pawpaw, soursop, and other crops per household as we did in 2024. We will also provide grants to micro-businesses across 326 wards in the state as part of our commitment to our Party mantra “Onye Aghana Nwanneya.” In 2025, we plan to expand our One-Youth-Two-Skills program to accommodate more youths and empower them accordingly. We are also establishing a One Million Digital Tribe, scaling our digital skill training program through the Solution Innovation District (SID).
Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, I don’t want to bore you with all the details in the budget. The full document is available for your review. However, I would like to point out that the size of the budget is relatively small—in real terms (purchasing power) and even in US dollars, amounting to $357 million—when compared to ACTUAL EXPENDITURES as per audited accounts in previous years (2008: $517 million; 2013: $1.1 billion; 2014: $1.2 billion; 2015: $685 million and 2021: $329 million).
What is before you are budget estimates, and even if we execute it 100%, it will still be a fraction of what was spent in some years past. This is even more so given the humongous increases in the prices of basic inputs in construction and governance. Government vehicles have to be fueled at over N1000 per litre compared to less than N100 some years ago or cement which cost a few hundred Naira up to N3,000 a few years ago now costs about N10,000 per bag. Other inputs have increased by hundreds of percent, but revenue has not increased proportionately in nominal or real terms.
For us, there are no excuses or complaints. We applied for the job and must deliver dividends of democracy to our people in spite of all the constraints. So far, even with a fraction of resources available some years ago, we are determined to deliver multiples of results produced in years past. As stated in the 2024 budget speech, we will only borrow on two strict criteria: (a) it must be a concessionary loan, and (b) it must be allocated to projects with a clear plan for repayment in the future.
Funding the budget will remain a challenge. Frugality is our watchword, and our mantra is: “Doing More with Less”. Our government has been rated the number one state in fiscal transparency and top five in fiscal sustainability. We have cut the cost of governance to bare bones, and the unprecedented ratio of our recurrent to capital budget, 23% to 77% speaks volumes. The IGR (Internally Generated Revenue) segment remains our weakest link. Over the past few years, we have consistently performed significantly below our budget. In 2025, we have projected an average monthly revenue of N5 billion, which will result in a total IGR of N60 billion. Currently, we are averaging only N2.5 billion per month, which is well below the State’s capacity. In the coming weeks, there will be a renewed effort to strengthen our revenue generation capacity. One estimate suggests that Anambra should not be generating less than N10-15 billion monthly.
We hope to maximize strategic partnerships with the federal government, the international community, and the private sector/communities. We commend many communities and stakeholders in the Anambra project who are investing heavily in their communities—constructing roads, improving schools and hospitals, and co-funding security. Together, we will continue to build the big tent. To demonstrate our commitment to working with development partners, the State has allocated N5 billion as a counterpart fund in the budget.
Let me express our sincere appreciation to the members of the Solution Team, the esteemed members of the 8th Assembly, the judiciary, the public/civil servants, teachers, our security agencies, and all stakeholders for their dedicated service to our homeland. I thank our community leaders, traditional rulers, religious leaders, members of the private sector, the international community, the federal government, the media, NGOs, youths, women, and students, for your invaluable support. We will never take your contributions for granted. Your continuing support will be critical in implementing the 2025 budget. I want to assure you all that every kobo entrusted to us will be used judiciously to provide value to you. You have put your trust in us to serve you, and together with our Solution Team, we will continue to work tirelessly to fulfill that commitment.
Mr. Speaker, Honourable members, as I end this speech, let me remind us that this budget is not merely a set of figures and allocations; it represents your hopes, aspirations, and the collective vision for our future. Our agenda is fundamentally about shaping a better tomorrow not only for ourselves but also for the generations unborn. We are engaged in critical efforts that extend beyond our immediate needs and concerns. With this budget, we are laying the groundwork for a thriving and sustainable future for many generations to come. Let us join hands today, and as we look ahead to 2025, let us fully embrace the idea that we can and will achieve our goals together. The journey toward progress has only just begun, and I am excited to join hands with you to witness the remarkable transformation we can make as a united force.
