The Bauchi State Government has moved to clarify misconceptions surrounding its 2025 budget provisions for technological infrastructure, highlighting its comprehensive approach to digital transformation in public service delivery. The clarification comes in response to recent media reports about ICT-related budget allocations.
In a statement issued by Special Adviser Mukhtar Gidado, the government revealed that the 2025 budget includes a N250 million allocation for an integrated ICT infrastructure project, not the N400 million for six computers as erroneously reported in some media outlets. This investment is strategically designed to advance the state’s E-governance capabilities through a comprehensive technology upgrade across government institutions.
The state’s modernization initiative encompasses several key components:
– Advanced networking infrastructure for inter-agency connectivity
– Deployment of modern computing equipment across departments
– Implementation of integrated information management systems
– Enhancement of digital service delivery platforms
The government’s commitment to technological advancement has already shown results, with the Bureau for ICT successfully conducting the state’s first virtual screening of a Commissioner-nominee, marking a significant milestone in digital governance at the sub-national level.
Addressing transparency concerns, the administration emphasizes its adherence to constitutional requirements and the Bauchi State Fiscal Responsibility Law 2009 in budget preparation and implementation. This commitment to fiscal responsibility has earned the state recognition from independent assessors, including a notable improvement in the Budget Sub-National Fiscal Transparency Index, where Bauchi State advanced from eighth to third position.
The government maintains that detailed budget information and implementation reports remain publicly accessible through the state’s official website, demonstrating its ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability in public financial management.