The Executive Chairman of Offa Local Government Area, Hon. Olatunji Olawale Suleiman (Omituntun), has officially presented the ₦7.373 billion 2025 budget estimate to the Legislative Council, outlining a financial plan aimed at infrastructural development, economic empowerment, and improved service delivery, earlier today.
Speaking at the Legislative Chamber in Offa, Hon. Suleiman emphasized the administration’s commitment to prudent financial management and aligning the budget with the needs of the people.
He commended the Transition Implementation Committee and the council’s career heads for their previous efforts in governance, attributing the success of local administration to the leadership of Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum.
“This chamber, which had been inactive for various reasons, has now been renovated to create a conducive environment for legislative activities, in line with global democratic best practices,” he noted.
The 2025 budget, tagged “Omituntun Budget 2025,” has a total estimate of ₦7.373 billion, with revenue sources including:
Statutory Allocation: ₦900 million
Value Added Tax (VAT): ₦3.2 billion
State Support Grant (10% IGR): ₦200 million
Independent Revenue (IGR): ₦40 million
Non-Oil Revenue (exchange gains, electronic money transfers, etc.): ₦3 billion
Opening Balance: ₦33 million
The proposed expenditure includes:
Teachers’ Salaries: ₦1.3 billion
Personnel Costs (Staff Salaries, Pensions, Gratuities, etc.): ₦2.028 billion
Overhead Costs: ₦400 million
Capital Expenditure: ₦1.547 billion
Key Capital Projects
Hon. Suleiman outlined critical infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing the quality of life for residents, including:
1. Rehabilitation of Obada-Ring Road – ₦400 million
2. Provision of Solar Streetlights – ₦70 million
3. Motorized Boreholes in Various Wards – ₦110 million
4. Construction and Renovation of Health Centers – ₦160 million
5. Road Grading and Laterite Work Across Offa LGA – ₦220 million
6. Classroom Construction and Renovation – ₦224 million
7. Establishment of Offa Local Government Farm – ₦15 million
8. Financial Support for SMEs – ₦28 million
Addressing the economic realities of the country, Hon. Suleiman acknowledged the challenges posed by policies such as fuel subsidy removal.
However, he assured residents of Offa that the local government remains committed to blocking financial leakages, eliminating wasteful spending, and improving Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
“We are taking proactive steps in youth development and economic empowerment. Our local football team recently won a medal, and we plan to collaborate with agricultural associations to boost productivity,” he said.
He urged the Legislative Council to give the appropriation bill prompt consideration and passage, ensuring the swift implementation of development projects.
In his concluding remarks, Hon. Suleiman extended best wishes to residents as they prepare to celebrate Eid-el-Fitr and Easter, praying for prosperity and blessings in the coming year.
