GOV. SOLUDO UNVEILS TRANSFORMATIVE 2025 BUDGET OF N607 BILLION
By Maureen Agbala :
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