Economic Confidential, February, 2009

FOCUS

BUDGET 2009 OF KADUNA STATE

ADDRESS OF HIS EXCELLENCY ARC. MOHAMMED NAMADI SAMBO, fnia,

THE EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF KADUNA STATE

AT THE PRESENTATION OF THE 2009 BUDGET

TO THE HONOURABLE MEMBERS OF

THE STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY

ON TUESDAY 3^rd FEBRUARY . 2009

I am most humbled to be before the House to present the Draft Budget Estimate for the year ended 2009.

Permit me Mr. Speaker and Honourable members to express our sincere gratitude for the support we enjoyed throughout last year from Members for the approval of the Appropriation Bill into an Act through to the Oversight Functions during its implementation.

As the elected representatives of the people, you have ensured the inclusion of the collective interest of your people in the approved Budget which we have executed in the last fiscal year.

You will recall Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, last year, we appropriated a budget size of N94,079,240,755.00 comprising N41,725,734,500 and N52,353,506,245 as Recurrent and Capital Expenditures respectively.

Subsequently, a Supplementary Budget of N19,032,813,295 which was prompted by an additional revenue accruing to the State for specific power projects and additional grants was approved for Capital Expenditure. This has by no means improved our Statutory and other internal and external revenue profile in the year under review in line with our great Party Manifesto the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and its implementation through our 11-point Agenda. We have impacted positively on the lives of the good people of the State in almost all the sectors of the economy.

SECURITY

          Our security drive and effort speaks for itself. In the first phase of this programme codenamed Operation Yaki, we procured 50 single cabin Toyota Hilux, twenty double cabin Toyota Hilux, six fully equipped ambulances, seven 406 Peugeot saloon cars for Intelligence and Surveillance duties while in the second phase which was launched recently, we procured additional 30 Toyota Hilux four-wheel vehicles, 1,000 bullet proof vests, 250 motorcycles complete with riding boots, vests and other accessories, 20 horses for Mounted Troop as well as Global Positioning System(GPS)  equipments which have been fitted at the headquarters of the Operation Yaki Command to assist in Communication and Monitoring services.

          Contract for the construction of a new Mobile Police Barracks in Zaria has since been awarded at the cost of N480million and work is at advanced state. This is to further enhance the security position in the State.

EDUCATION

Government as you are aware submitted last year a Draft Budget proposing the utilization of 27% of the entire budget on Education which you graciously approved. This is with a view to pursuing its programme on Free and Compulsory Primary Education and the General Development of the Education Sector.

          To ensure that higher education is catapulted to an enviable height in the State, contracts for the development, rehabilitation and construction of additional classrooms, laboratories, ICT Centres equipping of libraries, etc were awarded. The benefiting institutions are the State University, College of Education Gidan-Waya, Nuhu Bamalli Polytechnic Zaria, College of Nursing Kafanchan and Shehu Idris College of Technology, Makarfi.

The summarised breakdown of the expenditure by the Ministry is as follows:

1.            N1.5Billion for the construction of additional infrastructure (classrooms, laboratories, etc.), renovation of dilapidated structures, procurement of classroom furniture, provision of science technical and vocational equipment and the provision of water in over 200 secondary schools across the State.

2.            N400million on State University for the provision of University central library, 3^nos lecture theatres, microbiology staff  offices, internet café and Conference Room, Language laboratory, office block for Political Science Department, Student Affairs office, Educational Trust Fund laboratory equipment and lecture rooms as well as the establishment of the Faculty of Medicine.

3.            A cumulative sum of N25million was spent on the renovation of the State Library headquarters, Saminaka and B/Gwari branches and offices and construction of drainages at the Kaduna State Scholarship Board.

4.            N670million was expended at the College of Education Gidan Waya for the construction of additional lecture rooms, hostels and library amongst others while the Teachers' Service Board office was renovated and additional office equipments were procured.

5.            The monumental performance of the State at the National Examinations Council (NECO) results in which the State was placed 2^nd in performance to which previously it occupied 15^th- 20^th position, was a milestone that is a result of our commitment and pragmatic steps taken to ensure rapid educational development. Motivated to ensure optimal performance the State awarded contracts for repairs, renovation and supply of furniture, fixtures and equipments to Primary and Secondary schools across the State.

6.            New classrooms, games village, renovation of classrooms, toilet booths, boreholes, pupils’ textbooks and uniforms were provided in the year under review. A total of 752,072copies of textbooks in four core subjects and 376,036 sets of uniforms were distributed to 118,018 pupils in 238 primary schools across the State. Furthermore, 1,326 new classrooms were built, 297 games village, 375 renovated classrooms, 1,174 toilet booths, 118 boreholes, 49981 pupils furniture (two seater desk and benches), 2381 staff furniture and furnishing of 30 libraries across the State. All these are in the cumulative sum of N4.3billion.

7.            Also, the sum of N150million was expended on the 10 schools under management board for the improvement of infrastructure in these schools.

HEALTH/ENVIRONMENT

          Our Free Medical Services for Pregnant Women and Children under Five was a story of huge success in the preceding year. A total of 115 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) and 28 hospitals were utilized to dispense services and the feedback on the drugs distribution, have confirmed the desired impact among the citizens of the state at both Rural and Urban areas.

To arrest maternal and child mortality, our Free Medical Care for Pregnant Women and Children under five, which commenced in September 2007 was targeted to address mortality related problems and improve life expectancy. At our 28 General Hospitals and 115 Primary Healthcare Centres across the State, 512,838 pregnant women and 846,756 children under five (5) years totaling 1,359,594 were beneficiaries of the scheme. Furthermore, a total of 2889 women enjoyed free caesarian section performed at these primary and secondary health centres throughout the State.

          We plan to give Kaduna a facelift which will place it in its rightful position in the country. A total sum of over    N400million was spent in the construction and rehabilitation of hospitals across the State. Furthermore, Contract for the construction of a 200 bed specialist and teaching hospital to the tune of N4,002,498,369.70 at the New Kaduna Millennium City has since been awarded with a 30 month completion period.

We launched a war against malaria in the year under review. Malaria being a disease burden since time immemorial has remained endemic in our country. Specifically in our dear State, malaria accounts for about 60% of out-patient attendance in our health facilities. The endangered species at risk are pregnant women and children under five (5).

To arrest and control the potency of this scourge and to rescue this number of people endangered by this dangerous insect, we declared a total war against malaria. This is with a view to ensuring that it no longer becomes a major cause of mortality in Kaduna State.

We have made concerted  efforts at improving Hygiene and healthy environment to complement  our drive towards beautifying our cities, It is an established fact that indiscriminate disposal of solid wastes including hazardous wastes from health institutions and industries without due regard to hygiene and sanitation accounts for outspread of diseases. This habit is cultivated due to lack of a sensible and affordable waste disposal system. Wastes abound in urban as well as rural areas; at municipal streets and express highways, depicting a story of refuse anywhere and everywhere.

Our markets and motor parks including toll gates present particularly depressing sights. Mountains of refuse have become more or less permanent features of many towns and cities leading to blockages in roads, drains and streams.

In order to remedy the unhealthy situation, we have outsourced the garbage disposal in Kaduna Metropolis to 20 firms at an annual cost of about 700 Million naira while the State Government has made available 10 no compacting trucks, heavy duty pay-loader, 300 metal dustbins and 640 garbage containers of various sizes in building capacity, enhancing the efficient and effective solid waste management and to arrest the spread of diseases arising from poor waste management. Every one of us can attest to the success of this scheme.

TRANSPORTATION

We have completed 25 Roads some of which were inherited while others were awarded by this administration. We conceived and awarded the Kauru Bridge which is nearing completion. This bridge was a consequence of our political campaign promises which we strived to fulfill.

Government has secured the registration of the Railway Transport Company. This company has since been responsible for the implementation of Railway Transport Services in Kaduna State.

These actions were done in phases. The first phase of the programme covers only the Kaduna Metropolis while the second phase is a statewide rail transport system. These will consequently lead to the reduction in transportation fare and general economic goods which will certainly lead to the improved purchasing power of our people.

Towards the end of the preceding year, the third phase of the rail programme was launched. This will afford the movement of goods from Lagos to Kaduna Junction through our train service while goods will be cleared at the Inland Dry Ports in Kaduna. This action will have the advantage of engendering trading and business activities at the Dry Ports and becoming a source of gainful employment to our citizenry.

POWER SUPPLY

          We are determined to increase the capacity of power generation in the State. Toward attaining that feat, we established an agency for power generation which is saddled with the responsibility of generating electricity using both hydro and fuel power generation systems.

          At this juncture, it is pertinent to extend our sincere appreciation to Mr. President for granting his gracious approval for the State to evacuate 30MW hydro electricity generated at Gurara for use at our Industrial Estate in Kaduna. This project is planned to be completed by July 2009.

          To be able to evacuate the 30MW of electricity, we appointed consultants to design the 132KVA Sub-Station and work has commenced in earnest. On completion, more jobs will be created for our teeming youths. Furthermore, efforts were made in the acquisition of 250^nos 300-500KVA transformers for distribution to various communities with a view to addressing the power outages in these areas.

AGRICULTURE

Agriculture also received Government's attention in the year under review. Successes were attained in the procurement and distribution of farm inputs and implements. Fertilizer procurement was unprecedented as a total of 70,000 metric tonnes of fertilizer was procured at the cost of N7billion and successfully distributed to the grassroots farmers. 60 no Tractors were distributed to all the local government for tractor hiring service by our co-operative farmers while arrangements have been completed to take delivery of 108 tractors for distribution to co-operative societies and private parties interested in commercial tractor hiring services for the 2009 farming season. With these strides, further agricultural activities will receive a boost in the following areas:-

1.    Implementation of the Root and Tuber Expansion Programme  (RTEP);

2. The National Special Programme on Food Security (NSPFS);

3.    The  National Fadama Development Programme II (NFDP II);

4. Continuation of the ongoing activities under National Fadama Development Programme I ;

5. Implementation of the New Rice for Africa Project (NERICA);

6. Implementation of Kaduna State Agricultural Enhancement Programme;

7.    Flagging off of the Community based Agricultural and Rural Development Project; and

8.     The completion of Grain Silo projects at B/Gwari, Lere, Saminaka and Kafanchan with 10,000MT capacity each.

To further boost agricultural development and further enhance its labour employment capabilities, government has identified 60 locations for the construction of irrigation schemes. In the first phase of the programme, contract for the construction of eight (8) irrigation schemes, and one Dam were awarded. Namely, Farakwai, Pambegua, Jagindi, Angwan Jaba, Igabi, Panshanu, Kaya and Bakin Kogi Schemes, while contract for the construction of the Hunkuyi dam in Kudan Local Government Area has also been awarded. The value of these contracts is in the cumulative sum of N1.250billion and are at various stages of completion

Water Supply:-

          We are determined to provide portable drinking water supply across the State. The Galma Dam currently under construction in Kubau Local Government Area by GILMOR Nig. Ltd has provided for us a platform to solve once and for all the Zaria Regional Water Supply problem.

               Zaria town and environs have been suffering from acute water shortage for over 20 years. The situation is increasingly becoming chronic.

      Studies of the pathetic situation revealed a water demand of 129mld for the present population of about 1.2million against an installed capacity of 60mld. Unless and until a pragmatic effort is made, the situation will continue to worsen.

               As a lasting solution to the problem, the State Government awarded the contract for a new 150mld water treatment plant to Mothercat Limited at the cost of N15,711,199,558.14 for a period of 36months.

               The new water treatment plant is a regional scheme intended to serve towns and villages in five Local government Areas. The towns and villages to be served are:-

(i)              Zaria City

(ii)             Wusasa

(iii)            Tudun Wada

(iv)            Sabon Gari

(v)             Samaru

(vi)            Shika

(vii)           Giwa

(viii)          Mararraban Yakawada

(ix)            Basawa

(x)             Hunkuyi

(xi)            Kudan

(xii)           Dambo

(xiii)          Maigana

(xiv)         Soba

(xv)          Dutsenwai

(xvi)         Kubau, and

(xvii)        Pambeguwa

          Similarly, the following water supply contracts were awarded in the year under review under the National Urban Water Sector Reform Project. The aim of these projects is to increase access to pipe borne water in five  urban towns of Kaduna Metropolis, Kafanchan, Kagoro, Zonkwa, and Saminaka by rehabilitating and expanding their existing water supply schemes at the total contract sum of N4.9billion.

                         JBG Gauff was awarded the Consultancy Service contract for Construction and Supervision of Kaduna Metropolitan Water Supply Scheme in September last year at the Contract Price of N143,848,959.63 with a Completion Period of 17 months. The scope of work includes:

a)            Rehabilitation of Water Treatment Plants and Booster Stations awarded to Unipumps Nigeria Limited.

b)            Rehabilitation of Transmission Mains, Service Reservoirs and Distribution network awarded to CGC Nigeria Limited.

c)             Rehabilitation of Industrial buildings, Offices and Staff Quarters awarded to Consolidated Contractors Limited.

          Contracts for the rehabilitation of Water Treatment Plant and the Booster stations in Kaduna Metropolis with the aim of restoring them to their original installed capacities were awarded. The following infrastructures are affected:

a)            Kaduna North New Water Treatment Plant of 150 Million Litres per day (MLD) Capacity.

b)            Kaduna North Old Water Treatment Plant of 90MLD Capacity.

c)             Kaduna South Water Treatment Plant of 27MLD Capacity.

d)            Lugard hall Booster Station.

e)            State House Booster Station.

f)             Tudun Wada Booster Station.

g)            Barnawa Booster Station.

          The contract was awarded in May last year to Unipumps Nigeria Limited at the Contract price of N829,574,993.68 for a period of 15months.

      The contract for the rehabilitation of Transmission Mains AND Reservoirs for Kaduna Water Supply was awarded to CGC Nig Ltd in August 2007 at a contract price of N282,914,856.95 with  a contract period of 15months.

                The contract for the Rehabilitation of Distribution Network for Kaduna Water Supply was awarded in August 2007 to CGC for the replacement of weak and undersized asbestos service mains of about 30km at the contract price of N400,023,056.97 for a period of 15 months.

               Consolidated Contractors Limited was awarded the contract for the Rehabilitation of Industrial Buildings, Offices and Staff Quarters for Kaduna Schemes at the cost of N244,941,235.21 The contract was signed in December 2008.

               Due to persistent portable water supply problems at the Nigerian Airforce Base, Government decided to intervene and  have awarded the Contract for the works to Messrs Bran and Lubbe at the cost of N169,316,726.25 consisting of Dam Rehabilitation, Installation of a 100m3/hr Package Water Treatment Plant, Erection of Overhead Tank, Laying of Transmission and Gravity Mains.

               The need for the expansion of water supply infrastructure for Kaduna Metropolis cannot be overemphasized and is therefore receiving utmost attention. Government has recognized the fast rate of growth of Kaduna Metropolis and consequently the initiative to open Kaduna Eastern Sector.

               In this regard, the State Government has appointed consultants to carry out Feasibility and Engineering Designs for the Regional Expansion of Kaduna Metropolitan Water Supply Scheme up to the year 2025.

               Following the fire incidence of 10^th of August, 2007 which occurred at Kaduna North New Water Works High-Lift Pumping Station, we embarked on replacement of all damaged and associated equipment in the 11KV Switch Room and High-Lift Pumping Station. Four Contracts were awarded as follows:

      (a)      Supply and Installation of 2 No. 11/3.3kV, 3.5MVA Power Transformers at the cost of N92,775,264.42 for a period of 4 months. The contract has been successfully completed and commissioned.

      (b)      Contract for the Supply and Installation of 2 No 715KW and 2 No 200KW Weir Pumps and Motors at new High Lift Pumping Station was awarded in the same period to Messrs Prime Power at the cost of N162,329,983.20 which has also been satisfactorily completed and commissioned.

      (c)      Siemens Nig. Ltd also supplied and installed 11/3.3kV Breaker and Electrical Control (MCC) Panels for the High-Lift Pumping Station     at the cost of N177,031,371.74 with a completion period of 10 months.

      (d)      In order to arrest the causes of fire outbreaks at the Malali Treatment Plant, Power Conditioning Equipments were installed by GANTE Engineering Services on the Electric Power Sub-Stations of the plant at a contract sum of N141,816,990.78. This will arrest the menace of power fluctuations which usually results in damaging equipment and causing fire outbreaks.

      (e)      In order to ensure constant and functional water supply at both Malali and Zaria water supply schemes, a specialist water supply management company Messrs Otech of South-Africa has been contracted to manage and train the Kaduna State Water Board  (KSWB) personnel in improving their capacity on service delivery. In fact, Mr. Speaker it is my pleasure to inform you that zaria is now on 33KV since a week ago and the service has been fine all this while.

               There is no doubt that we are today witnessing an improved and positive water supply position in Kaduna Metropolis.

          Rehabilitation of Kafanchan/Kagoro Water Supply Schemes was awarded to Sarplast (West Africa) Ltd for a contract period of 12 months at the cost of N513,269,603.63. The works consist of:

a)        Rehabilitation of Water Treatment Plants in Kafanchan and Kagoro covering Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Works;

b)        Replacement of 13.6KM of old Asbestos Cement Pipes with Ductile iron Pipes in Kafanchan;

c)        Replacement of 13.15KM of Asbestos Cement Pipes with Ductile iron Pipes in Kagoro;

d)        Rehabilitation of Service Reservoirs;

e)        Supply and Installation of 6^nos Bulk Meters of 100 to 500mm diameter; and

f)         Supply of laboratory equipment.

          Next is the Rehabilitation of Zonkwa and Manchok Water Supply Scheme awarded to Bran & Lubbe at the sum of N493,805,519.00 for a period of Twelve months. The contract consists of:

a)        Rehabilitation of Water Treatment Plant covering Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Works;

b)        Rehabilitation of Office Buildings and Staff Quarters at Manchok and Zonkwa;

c)        Replacement of 37,000m of Asbestos Cement Pipes/PVC pipes with ductile iron pipes in Manchok and along Kagoro and Madakiya Roads;

d)        Rehabilitation of Service Reservoirs at Magauri and Madauchi;

e)        Supply and Installation of 4^nos Bulk Meters; and

f)         Supply of Laboratory equipment.

          Also, Rehabilitation of Saminaka Water Supply Scheme was awarded to Unipumps and Bolaji Nig Ltd at the sum of N615,000,525.57 for a contract period of Twelve months. The contract works consist of:

a)            Rehabilitation of Water Treatment Plant covering Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Works;

b)            Replacement of 7,000m of Asbestos Cement Pipes with Ductile iron Pipes;

c)            Rehabilitation of Service Reservoirs at Anguwan Bawa and Kauran Dan Gambo;

d)            Supply and Installation of 4no. Bulk Meters; and

e)            Supply of Laboratory equipment.

          On the completion of these projects, the general portable water supply situation in all the towns and their environs will be greatly enhanced and made available to about two (2) million beneficiaries.

               The Engineering Design for the Kachia Surface Water Supply Project was initially considered in 1978 and Construction Contract was awarded in 1981. The features of the project included construction of a 2.99mcm Impounding Reservoir, 3.15mld Water Treatment Plant and Distribution System. The contract was unfortunately abandoned at 5% progress.

          We have now decided to revive the project in consideration of the large population in Kachia and its environs and have already appointed Messrs Tahal Consultants after Due Process to carry out the feasibility and engineering design of the project,

                Our water supply programmes in the rural areas of the state consist of over 500 new motorized and handpumps boreholes and rehabilitation of 70 no abandoned boreholes with over 1.5million rural population benefiting from the programme.

POVERTY ALLEVIATION

Various empowerment mechanism, were adopted by Government. In the first phase of the Poverty Alleviation Programme, the Government distributed 275 water pumps, 300 knitting machines and 327 sewing machines to beneficiaries spanning the 23 Local Governments in the State.

In the transport scheme, to assist Okada Motorcycle Riders and the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Government has distributed the first 100 Golf Cars to beneficiaries and it is about distributing the second 100 Golf and Toyota Carina cars. 100 buses were procured and will soon be distributed to members of National Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) and NURTW in the State. All these is with the view of improving the transport system in the State and to arrest the menace of poverty.

Agro-Based Empowerment Strategy:- This programme was carried out in collaboration with Ministry of Local Government and Centre for Entrepreneurship and Social Development (CESD) to find lasting solutions to the issue of youths disempowerment, pervasive unemployment, restiveness and criminality in the State through the provision of training materials (equipment/inputs and subsequent formation of 23 Multipurpose Co-operatives Societies in all the 23 Local Government Areas for institutionalized funding to alleviate poverty. These Cooperative Societies have already benefited from loans of N350.000.00 per Cooperative Society disbursed by Microfinance Banks through Farmers Empowerment Scheme of the Ministry of Agriculture during the last farming season.

Micro-credit Loan Scheme (Interest-free) for Women (widows) and Youths:-

This scheme has been in effect since 23^rd January. 2008. A total of 200 petty traders have benefited from the N10,000 each, interest-free loan through Ajiya and Kada Micro Finance Banks within Kaduna Metropolis.

Chalk and Paint-Making Cottage Industries: - we have set up 6 chalk and 17 paint making cottage industries, one each in the 23 Local Government areas of the State. The project which was jointly handled by the Ministries of Science and Technology, Solid Minerals, Poverty Alleviation and the local governments performed creditably with the commissioning of the cottages on the 23^rd January 2008. A total of 147 young men and women successfully graduated as producers of chalk and white paint.

Data Collection of Unemployed Graduates and Petty Traders:- In our deliberate quest to actually tackle poverty throughout the nooks and crannies of the State, we have directed the State Poverty Alleviation to employ the services of 518 males and females unemployed graduate youths throughout the State. These data collectors were sent to all the 255 wards of the State to collect data on all unemployed graduates and petty traders. The data collectors have so far completed their 6 months assignment (June-November, 2008) and allowances paid to them for the period. A lot of data have been obtained from this exercise and is being stored in our data bank which will be used to properly plan on how to assist in micro-credit delivery programmes in the 2009 appropriation.

Photography Training for Youth Development: - This programme is to give hope  to youths through skill acquisition and empowerment by preparing our youths to pursue a professional career in photography with ability for indoor and outdoor photography, video coverage, video editing, processing and printing of color and non-color photographs in their studios. Twenty three (23) State sponsored candidates selected from each of the Local Government Area were given eight weeks training on professional photography which was concluded on the 23^rd December, 2008. The graduates of this training have been presented with their certificates and starter-package of photography equipment.

Farmers Empowerment Programme:- The State  Government in 2008 growing season approved the sum of One Hundred Million Naira only (N100,000,000.00) through the State Poverty Alleviation for farmers empowerment to boost food production. The money was disbursed to the Farmers Cooperative Societies through Micro Finance Banks throughout the State. A total of 253 Cooperative Societies (11 each per L.G.A.) with a total membership of 3,795 benefited from the programme.

We have evolved the revolving micro-credit delivery system which is intended to reach out to all in Kaduna State with a pragmatic credit delivery arrangement for economic empowerment and poverty alleviation of the citizenry. It is a public private sector partnership arrangement through identified banks in the State.

In 2008, N120million was disbursed through 20 Microfinance banks in Kaduna State. By the end of 2008, the N120million disbursed was 100% recovered. 4,478 people (out of which 1,637 were females) across the length and breath of Kaduna State had access to the N120million credit and the number of people in the various economic activities of the beneficiaries was 7,705.

YOUTH AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT

We were accorded the Hosting rights of the 16^th Edition of the National Sports Festival in 2006. However, part of our Policy on Youth Development is the promotion of Sports through various means including sports and its development. Therefore, the hosting of the 16^th National Sports Festival fulfils one of the cardinal objectives of the State's Policy on Youth Development and Empowerment.

To provide a long lasting legacy to the youths of Kaduna State and indeed Nigeria, the State has gone all out to provide befitting sporting facilities of international standard not only for the festival but towards our well-structured sports development plan.

Notable amongst these facilities are; an Olympic Size Swimming Pool, a Synthetic Turf Hockey Pitch, a Laterite Hockey Pitch, a Gymnasium and Courts for various Indoor and Outdoor Sports activities, including infrastructure and facilities, such as the Mondo Super Flex A, Tartan Tract at Ahmadu Bello Stadium, which is of the same standard with the type used during the Beijing Olympics in China.

HOUSING/ KADUNA MILLENNIUM CITY

We have reached an advanced stage in the provision of Housing for low-Income Earners and the Civil Servants in Kaduna State, which will consist of the construction of 1000 houses in the Kaduna Millennium City, 300 houses in Zaria and 200 houses in Kafanchan.

Kaduna Millennium City is an innovative new urban development project initiated by this Administration. The city will sit within the rolling slopes of the eastern bank of the River Kaduna. The natural streams and valleys found in this lush landscape serve as the idyllic backdrop of the city's future residents and visitors, helping to create a grade-style retreat with luxury and recreational facilities and a quality lifestyle. The city will feature:-

(i)            up to 110,000 residents in 18,000 homes

(ii)           new Golf Course with views across the river

(iii)          900 + hectares of prime development land for the growing city of Kaduna

(iv)         Easy access to the Kaduna City centre via the new river Kaduna bridge

(v)          Easy access to both Abuja and Kano by the proposed Kaduna Eastern Bye-Pass.

(vi)         Integrated transport strategy providing connections to central Kaduna and the wider locale, and also linking to the potential express train service between the millennium city and Abuja Central Business District.

ADMINISTRATION

Government has awarded contract and work has commenced on the expansion of the administrative wing of the Sir Kashim Ibrahim House (Government House) at the cost of N2.9Billion to Messrs Julius Berger PLC with a construction period of 2 years. This is necessitated in view of the lack of proper and adequate enabling working environment which has made it impossible for all the supporting staff to be accommodated within the Government House and is affecting the normal service delivery by Government. This administrative edifice will, when completed, provide the enabling environment for a better performance and service delivery to the people of Kaduna State.

We have repositioned the Civil service for optimal performance. We have provided ICT Training and have paid Premium as Life Assurance to encourage enhanced performance of workers. We have increased Pensions by over 40% while salaries and other allowances were reviewed upwards.

 Our civil servants have also benefited from our Micro-Credit Loans disbursed as housing, motor vehicles loans, etc. our relationship with labour has been sustained. We have cooperated with each other even at the most trying times. We had also fulfilled and paid up the promises we made to them.

BUREAU FOR BUDGET MONITORING & PRICE INTELLIGENCE (BMPI) DUE PROCESS

The Bureau for Budget Monitoring & Price Intelligence (BMPI) otherwise commonly referred to as the Due Process Office has made significant strides in the year ended 2008. In an end-of-the-year report covering ministries, Extra-Ministerial Departments, including parastatals, they towered in the areas of Capital Projects, Contract Award and Payment Certifications and Bidding Processes.

A total of N445,747,099.00 was made as savings in 2008. The Bureau is hoping to improve on that in the year ending 2009.

GENERAL PERFORMANCE DATA

 In addition to the performance and achievements stated above, it is worthy to note that a good number of projects inherited and those initiated by this administration were completed in the year under review. These items include but not limited to the following projects:-

ZONE I

ZONE II

ZONE III

          At this juncture, it is important to note that arrangements have been concluded to commence commissioning of these projects numbering over 500 immediately after the hosting of the National Sports Festival. Each member of this honourable house shall commission the projects in his constituency based on the positive effort made by each one of you in ensuring that your constituencies benefited from the various government programmes.

BUDGET 2009

The 2008 Budget was tagged "THE PEOPLE'S BUDGET" because it was in that year's budget that the people oriented programmes were embarked upon and satisfactorily executed. The 2009 Budget is different in content and style of execution. Succinctly put, it is a "Performance-Based Budget", a system that seeks to address the key sectors the budget is tailored to achieve. Therefore, in putting together the 2009 Budget, a lot of factors were put into consideration with regards to resources accruing to the State. It includes funds from the Federation Accounts referred to as Statutory Allocations, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and funds from other sources that include but not limited to grants, local and international soft and long term development funds and counterpart funded programmes.

The situation of Statutory Revenue will not be the same as last year because of the gloomy financial forecasts resulting from the global financial meltdown and the fall in the price of crude oil in the International Market. Armed with this uncomfortable situation, we are of the view that the revenue accruing to the States from this source will certainly be affected. To create its own economy that is self-sustaining and that will outlive the administration, Government is making concerted efforts to boost its Internally Generated Revenue potentials. This, it pursued by exploring all internally generated revenue avenues and by modernizing the tax generation agencies in the State. This initiative is supported by the World Bank and DFID assisted Governance & Capacity Building Schemes. When properly implemented, it will double the efforts of the State in the revenue generation drive and minimize revenue losses. Government is determined and desirous to attain this optimal performance, as such all the necessary support will be accorded to these agencies. In fact, I am now participating directly in the Board of Internal Revenue in order to avail them all the support that is necessary for the achievement of their objectives.

Accordingly, to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the State, this year's budget estimate is tagged "BUDGET OF CONSOLIDATION & STABILIZATION". Inspite of the expected fluctuations of the price of crude oil in the international market, we are committed to ensuring that our philosophy of socio-economic reforms are attained. Within the available resources at our disposal, we shall ensure the empowerment of our people while safely executing our programmes and projects.

REVENUE PROJECTION FOR 2009

A revenue defence meeting was held during which all revenue generating Ministries/Departments and Agencies (MDAs) defended their revenue forecast.

The total projected revenue for the 2009 fiscal year stood at N153,170,483,705. This is made up of the following components:-

PROPOSED EXPENDITURE FOR 2009

Recurrent Expenditure

After due consideration, the proposed Recurrent Expenditure for the year 2009 is as follows:

CAPITAL

We considered the allocation of Roll-over Projects and other Capital Receipts as Counterpart Funding. External Loans Draw-Downs, Ecological Funds, Human Development Fund, MDGs Projects and State/Local Government Joint Projects. The table below highlights the allocations:

HIGHLIGHT OF 2009 BUDGET

          The total Budget size envisaged for 2009 is N153,170,483,705 as estimated from the total expected receipts of same amount. In the 2009 Draft Estimates, attention is basically going to be focused on Education, Power, Transport, Security, Health, Water Supply and Agriculture.

           In the Agricultural Sector, we are making efforts to reduce poverty and generate employment opportunities for our people. We have therefore set the pace in the provision of various dams and irrigation projects in various locations within the State.

Furthermore, the State is implementing the following programmes: 

1.            World Bank assisted $30millionUSD Commercial Agricultural Development Project (out of which the State will provide $6millionUSD as Counterpart Funds);

2.            World Bank assisted Fadama III Project $1.156 USD while the State is expected to contribute $265,720 USD as Counterpart Funds.

3.            African Development Bank (ADB) Community-based Agricultural and Rural Development Project N468,450,000 including Counterpart Funds of N20million.

4.            World Bank/ADB assisted Root and Tuber Expansion Programme N400million.

These are intended to also provide employment to our teeming unemployed youths in the rural as well as urban areas of the State.

           Similarly, we have made a provision of 1% of the Capital Budget in this year's estimates to support and add as complimentary to our efforts in financing our State Micro-Finance Banks, the aim of which is to ensure that financial services are made available to the vast majority of the low income earners and the poor to engage in productive activities and to create jobs amongst others.

           We intend to continue with the articulated programme on free medical treatment for Pregnant Women and Children under five (5) throughout the State. Government intends to increase the number of Hospitals to be covered under this programme from 115 PHCs to 220 PHCs. In 2009, in addition, we have gone a step further to build a state-of-the-art specialist and teaching hospital in Kaduna Millennium City with a capacity of 200 beds and diagnostic and medical facilities to arrest related diseases. This will be done in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

           Under the Transport Sector, all the on-going projects will be duly completed. New awards would also be made to take care of some critical areas. In view of this, the State Government has allocated the sum of N4.4 billion to ensure success in this direction.

           The Education Sector in the State has maintained the tempo on the general provision of infrastructure that includes but not limited to repairs, renovation, rehabilitation and equipping of schools in the State. Coupled with this, more teachers have been recruited to provide adequate qualitative and quantitative teaching in primary, secondary and tertiary institutions. Other priority programmes implemented includes free and compulsory Primary Education through the issuance of free uniforms, textbooks and other accessories. The State is committed to commence implementing the 27% new salary scale for teachers in this year's budget.

           As a reprieve to our parents and to cushion the effects of the harsh economic downturn occasioned by the relatively low sources of income, the Government has supplemented last year's feeding with N112 million to boarding  secondary schools in the State. It also intends to start giving free feeding to primary school pupils on a pilot scheme and also construct staff quarters for primary school teachers in the State.

           These development efforts embarked upon by Kaduna State Government has attracted the attention of our development partners within and outside the State. Private sector establishments have indicated interest in partnering with the State to promoting non-oil sector ventures based on the high potentials that abound in the State. The international community has also expressed enthusiasm to enter into partnership arrangements with the State to further support our social sector reforms, poverty   alleviation   programmes and other sectoral development efforts. Pursuant to this, the State has already embarked on new projects with the development partners in the following broad areas:-

1.        Governance and Capacity Building Project- a World-Bank and DFID sponsored initiative which has finally  taken off in the State;

2.        Kaduna State - Japan initiative for production and export of ginger, cassava, acha and beniseed; and the Kagoro Hills Holiday Resort.

3.        Kaduna State - India Initiative for Cottage Industry Development and Skills Acquisition;

4.        Kaduna State - China Initiative for the production," processing and export of ginger, sugarcane, cassava etc;

5.        The State and Local Government Project (SLGP) has already been mobilized in the State and had commenced its training programmes;

6.        The Partnership between Kaduna State and the World Bank, DFID and USAID will take off to address Power, Water and related issues, Education as well as Agricultural programmes.

7.        The partnership for the Transformation of Health Systems (PATHS) between DFID and the State has commenced effective work in the health sector.

These projects along with other on-going initiatives are aimed at transforming the State. We plan to eradicate poverty and enhance the general well-being of our people. In addition, we are working closely with the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) office and indeed have embarked on collaborative projects on solar power supply to 12 villages, namely Kurumtumawa in Makarfi, Katsalle in Ikara, Fantan in Zaria, Riwa in Lere, Kono in Kauru, Ngade in Birnin-Gwari, Angwan Arha in Kajuru, Ungwan Maje in Chikun, Ngarde in Kachia, Kusom in Jema'a, Dogon Daji in Sanga, Ashafa in Igabi; 50^Nos VIP Toilets, over 500^nos boreholes, rehabilitation of clinics and Primary Health Care Centres, Maternal mortality programmes, War Against Malaria,  that are at various levels of execution.  We intend to ensure that we derive full benefits from the Debt Relief Fund.

CONCLUSION

           The budget estimate for this year Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members have addressed both the ongoing projects and the zeal with which the State is determined to complete them and the new projects proposed shall be dispensed in the manner in which we shall meet your expectations and that of the electorates.

           We are putting in place solid and needed infrastructure that include security, power generation, large irrigation schemes, expanded education, provision of health services and modern and effective transportation system that will lead to the creation of an industrialized, new and prosperous Kaduna State.

           We have adopted varied systems of contract execution in all fields of our socio-economic development. We appoint consultants to give us professional and specialist designs and recommendations which are in conformity with the internationally accepted practice the world over. We have discarded the old order in Road Construction of "Contractor Design and Construct" to a more transparent and Best Practice system where the projects are properly designed and bidded by various contractors. We had taken the pains to address some long outstanding problems that have been lingering, which have militated against the steady development of the State. We have embarked on solid, meaningful and viable projects at the expense of unjustified accusations by cynics for "slow but steady progress" in the State development. We are assuring the good people of the State, that what we are pursuing once completed will immensely add to the fortunes of the State and place it in an enviable position among its contemporaries. We shall not be deterred by retrogressive elements neither shall we be distracted from attaining our lofty ideals and dreams.

          We shall continue to pursue Kaduna State of our dreams and further enhance our Welfarist programmes and projects because we believe our people deserve the best service from a government that they put in place.

          Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, may I use this opportunity to once again thank you and the Hon. Members for your support and cooperation without which we could not have achieved the lofty targets we had set for ourselves. Let me appreciate our Religious Leaders, Traditional Rulers, Politicians, NGOs, Labour Unions, Security Agencies, Media Organisations and the good people of Kaduna State for their support and cooperation towards attaining successes we have recorded so far.

          The Judiciary has lived up to its expectations as the last hope of the common man. We appreciate them in the matured way they had handled all adjudications before them to the admiration of all. We urge them to maintain the tempo as it has rejuvenated hope for the citizens of Kaduna State and the country in general.

           Finally special gratitude goes to our civil servants for the maturity and understanding they have shown under difficult and enticing circumstances. Their support and cooperation has to a large extent, contributed   to   the remarkable   success   this Administration has achieved. May God protect and guide us all, Ameen,

           Thank you and God bless.

FFor more story click: Sambo Presents 2009 Budget