By Dare Akogun
The Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI) has raised concerns over the 2025 proposed budget presented by the Kwara State Government, citing issues of transparency, fiscal discipline, and spending priorities.
The N540.36 billion budget, which includes an estimated deficit of N70.45 billion, aims to improve workers’ welfare, education, and healthcare.
However, BBYDI noted that the budget relies heavily on Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) disbursements and loans, raising questions about the sustainability of its revenue projections.
In a statement by its Communications Officer, Jairus Awo, BBYDI highlighted that the government projected total revenue of N469.91 billion, with N259.79 billion expected from FAAC and N96.23 billion from Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
The organisation expressed concern over the projected external loan receipt of N70.43 billion, warning that it could worsen the state’s debt burden.
The group also criticized the allocation of N204.71 billion to recurrent expenditure, representing over 37% of total spending. Personnel costs of N69.14 billion and overhead costs of N107.2 billion were described as inefficient, while the N5.82 billion allocated to the Government House was deemed excessive.
BBYDI further raised alarm over the underfunding of key sectors such as education and health.
According to the organisation, education received N51.53 billion, just 9.5% of the total budget, falling below UNESCO’s recommended 15-20%. Similarly, health was allocated N43.1 billion, far from the 15% benchmark set by the Abuja Declaration.
To address these concerns, BBYDI urged the Kwara State House of Assembly to reduce recurrent expenditure by streamlining payroll and minimizing administrative costs.
Increase investment in education and healthcare to meet international standards.
The also demand that the house publish detailed breakdowns of capital projects and budget performance reports in local languages.
Strengthen IGR through tax reforms and economic diversification.
Prioritize social services and job creation over non-essential projects.
The organisation also emphasized that the budget should focus on long-term economic sustainability.
“We call on lawmakers to prioritize the long-term economic sustainability of the state over short-term political considerations,” the statement read.
Despite its criticisms, BBYDI acknowledged some positive aspects of the proposed budget.
These include provisions for minimum wage adjustments, increased allocations to education and healthcare, and plans to improve IGR, which could reduce dependence on federal allocations.
The group described the budget as an opportunity for Kwara to adopt a more transparent and development-focused approach, urging policymakers to act in the interest of sustainable growth.
