The Governor of Niger State north central Nigeria, Umar Mohammed Bago has presented the state visionary 2024 Budget totaling N613,274,081,698.17 to the House of Assembly.
The budget titled, “The Budget of the Future,” to the House of Assembly .
Governor Umar Bago said the the budget titled, “Budget of the Future underscores a commitment to sustainable development and transformative initiatives of his administration.
The distribution allocates 24.33% to recurrent expenditure and a significant 75.67% to capital estimates.
Bago also highlighted a strong emphasis on collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government, fostering collective efforts to achieve shared objectives.
Priority areas encompass a broad spectrum, including urban renewal, rural transformation, security, infrastructural development, agriculture, education, health, water and sanitation, women and children, evironmental sustainability, and people with special needs.
The governor said “Our forward-thinking approach extends beyond budget allocation, aiming to boost internal revenue generation, foster public-private partnerships, and attract vital investments.” Notable sector-specific allocations include N43.5 billion for Agriculture, N6.8 billion for Rural Development, and N13.663 billion for Livestock and Nomadic Affairs. The Infrastructure, Housing, and Urban Renewal sector receive a substantial N220.65 billion, with Energy, Investment, Commerce, and Tourism allocated N5 billion,” Bago.
He also said the comprehensive vision encompasses water resources and dams development (N5.2 billion), environment and climate change, solid minerals, education (N76.28 billion), health (N42.7 billion), social development, youth and sports development, law and justice secctor, and administrative sector.
Governor Bago stressed that this strategy aims to stimulate economic growth, support vulnerable groups, enhance education and healthcare, develop critical infrastructure, and champion environmental sustainability. The proposed 2024 Budget stands as a testament to the administration’s unwavering dedication to the sustainable development of Niger State, paving the way for a promising and prosperous future.
In his response, Speaker of the House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, commended the governor for the budget, promising to pass it by December 27. He urged all commissioners to comply with the screening timetable, emphasizing that the governor’s journey was not a mere excursion but a mission to reposition Niger State.
The budget presentation was attended by commissioners, special advisers, politicians, and royal fathers.
Before the presentation, the speaker swore in a new member of the state House of Assembly from Bida Kasim Bako Alfa, who secured victory at the Court of Appeal.
Lateefah Ibrahim
