Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has urged elected officials to deliver on their promises, regardless of the tough economic conditions in Nigeria.
Speaking about Anambra’s proposed N606 billion budget for 2025, Soludo stressed that leaders have no excuse to fail since they willingly took on the mantle of leadership.
“We asked for this job, so complaints are not an option,” he said. “Despite the constraints, we must deliver the dividends of democracy and make a real difference in people’s lives.”
Soludo acknowledged that unforeseen challenges may arise during the budget’s implementation, but he maintained that the government must remain focused.
He noted that even with fewer resources compared to previous years, his administration is determined to achieve greater results.
The governor emphasized fiscal discipline, outlining a borrowing policy that requires loans to be concessional and allocated to projects with clear repayment plans.
He also highlighted the government’s achievements, including being rated number one in fiscal transparency and among the top five in fiscal sustainability.
“Our recurrent-to-capital budget ratio of 23% to 77% is unprecedented,” he added. “We’ve cut governance costs to the bare minimum and are committed to doing more with less.”
However, Soludo admitted that funding remains a challenge. Anambra’s internally generated revenue (IGR) is significantly below its potential, averaging just N2.5 billion monthly against a projected N5 billion.
He urged the state to improve its revenue collection to meet its target of N60 billion annually.
Despite the challenges, Soludo described the budget as more than just numbers. “This is about shaping a better tomorrow, not just for ourselves but for generations to come,” he said.
The budget aims to lay the foundation for a sustainable future, tackling pressing issues while addressing long-term development needs.
He pointed out how rising costs have affected governance. “Basic inputs like fuel and cement now cost several times more than they did a few years ago, yet revenues haven’t grown proportionally,” he explained.
Soludo called on lawmakers and citizens alike to see the budget as a collective vision for progress. “Together, we must turn these plans into reality and create lasting impacts for Anambra and beyond,” he concluded.
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