The move, formalized over the weekend, aims to address inflation pressures, exchange rate fluctuations, and emerging economic and security challenges while accelerating priority development projects.

The supplementary appropriation, which passed its first and second readings in the Assembly earlier this month, allocates 68.9% to capital expenditure and 31.1% to recurrent spending. 

According to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation’s report, the budget aligns with the state’s Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and seeks to enhance fiscal capacity for fast-tracking initiatives in infrastructure, agriculture, education, and security. 

Governor Kefas emphasized that it “mitigates the impact of inflation and exchange rate fluctuations on ongoing projects across the state.”

This follows the approval of the original N429.9 billion “Budget of Transformation” presented by Kefas in November 2024, which represented a 34% increase over the 2024 budget to drive socio-economic growth. 

The supplementary funding extends implementation through May 31, 2026, providing flexibility amid Nigeria’s economic headwinds.

Kefas, speaking during the signing ceremony, reiterated his administration’s commitment to the Taraba Master Development Plan, which guides the year’s strategies. 

“This budget will position Taraba for greater prosperity, inclusivity, and sustainability,” he said, highlighting investments in job creation, human capital development, and workers’ welfare.

 The Assembly’s Speaker, Rt. Hon. Kizito Bonzana, had earlier praised the Kefas government’s progress in security and infrastructure rehabilitation.Stakeholders view the expansion as a proactive step to cushion vulnerable sectors. 

With capital-heavy allocations, the budget is expected to spur economic activity, create jobs, and improve service delivery in a state grappling with post-flood recovery and agrarian needs.