GAROWE (Kaab TV) – The Puntland House of Representatives on Thursday began reviewing the government’s 2024 budget execution report, with Finance Minister Mohamed Farah announcing that 99% of the projected budget has been achieved.
The session, chaired by Speaker Abdirisak Ahmed Said and Second Deputy Speaker Mohamed Mohamud Esse, marked the 21st sitting of the 56th parliamentary term.
Lawmakers voted by majority to fast-track the presentation of the budget execution report for this fiscal year.
According to the Ministry of Finance, Puntland’s total budget for 2024 stands at $387.5 million, reflecting a 3% increase compared to the previous year.
The largest portions of government expenditure have gone toward security services, public sector salaries, decentralization, and essential social services.
However, the Finance Ministry also reported a decline in donor funding—particularly development grants previously channeled through the Federal Government of Somalia.
Officials attribute the drop to ongoing political tensions between Garowe and Mogadishu.
In his address to Parliament, Minister Farah stated that the 2024 budget, excluding World Bank grants, allocated $121.2 million from domestic revenue and direct budget support.
The government had aimed to collect $98.8 million in domestic revenue, and as of now, $98.8 million has been collected, with a minimal shortfall of $17,627.
“This means that 99% of Puntland’s domestic revenue collection plan has been achieved,” the minister told the parliament in Garowe.
The execution report has been referred to the Parliamentary Committee on Finance, Economy, and Accounts, which will conduct a second reading.
The committee is expected to return the report to the full House on July 29, 2025, for further debate and final approval.