Soludo Presents N607 Billion 2025 Budget to Anambra Assembly, Prioritizes Infrastructure, Economic Growth, Human Capital Development

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, on Tuesday, presented a draft budget proposal of N607 billion for the 2025 fiscal year to the state House of Assembly. This budget, titled “Changing Gears 2.0,” marks a significant shift in the state’s development trajectory, with a focus on accelerating execution and growth. Soludo emphasized that the proposed budget represents a 48 percent increase over the 2024 budget of N410 billion, signaling the state’s commitment to large-scale investments in key sectors.

The breakdown of the budget reveals that N139.5 billion, representing 45 percent, will be allocated to recurrent expenditure, while N467.5 billion, or 48.9 percent, is earmarked for capital expenditure. Notably, capital expenditure accounts for 77 percent of the overall budget, with recurrent expenditure making up 23 percent, maintaining the same ratio as in the 2024 budget. The budget deficit is projected at N148.3 billion, or 24 percent of the total budget, which is an improvement from the 30 percent deficit in the 2024 budget. Governor Soludo explained that, as in previous years, the deficit would be financed through revenue growth or borrowing from financial institutions, though the state has not relied on borrowing to fund budget deficits in the past two years.

Governor Soludo underscored the importance of executing the government’s agenda despite the political activities surrounding the 2025 gubernatorial elections. He emphasized that while politicians might be preoccupied with electoral campaigns, his administration will remain focused on executing its development plans. Soludo highlighted that the 2025 budget will build upon the achievements of the previous year and introduced new projects to advance the state’s infrastructure and economic development.

Several key sectors are set to receive substantial increases in funding. The administrative sector will see a 45.5 percent increase, while the economic sector will grow by 40.1 percent. The judiciary sector will benefit from a 51.3 percent increase, and the social sector is set for an 82.7 percent boost. Education will receive a notable 101.4 percent increase, and health funding is expected to rise by 57.1 percent. Infrastructure investment will also see a 38.9 percent increase. Soludo pointed out that at least 70 percent of the budget is allocated to infrastructure, economic transformation, and human capital development, which are the pillars of his administration’s agenda.

Soludo further highlighted the ongoing 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, with organizations like Afreximbank and the African Development Bank (AFDB) expressing continued support for the project. The governor also emphasized his administration’s commitment to improving the business climate in the state, positioning Anambra as a top destination for investment. This includes the recent conclusion of the second Anambra Investment Summit, where ten leading companies signed Memoranda of Understanding.

Governor Soludo also provided updates on ongoing projects, including the construction of what is expected to be the largest shopping mall in Africa and the development of leisure centers across the state. Additionally, the state has invested in new equipment to enhance the night landing capabilities of the Chinua Achebe International Airport, further positioning Anambra as a competitive hub for commerce and travel.

On human capital development, Soludo reaffirmed his commitment to education and healthcare. He reiterated the state’s goal of providing free, quality education for every child and continuing the free education policy. The governor also highlighted the transformation of 22 secondary schools into smart schools, with plans for further upgrades in the coming year. Furthermore, the government is investing over N1.2 billion each month to pay the salaries of teachers in returned mission schools, in addition to covering pensions for retired teachers.

Addressing the needs of the vulnerable, Governor Soludo revealed plans to provide agricultural support to over 100,000 households by distributing seedlings of crops like coconut, palm, ukwa, pawpaw, and soursop. The state will also continue to offer grants to micro businesses across its 326 wards, in line with the administration’s commitment to social welfare. The One-Youth, Two-Skills programme will be expanded to empower more youths, and the state will establish a One Million Digital Tribe to scale up its digital skills training through the Solution Innovation District.