Niger State Governor north-central Nigeria, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has signed the 2024 appropriation bill into law.
The Governor performed the statutory duty shortly after the State Assembly had approved the budget, which exceeded the initially presented N613.2 million by N720 million.
In his statement following the bill’s signing, Governor Umaru Bago praised the legislators for the unprecedented quick passage of the bill. He emphasized the significance of the budget and assured that it would be implemented as planned.
The Governor directed revenue-generating Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to adhere to their responsibilities, warning against those who “generate and spend” in defiance of the abolished policy.
Expressing commitment to a robust collaboration with the legislative arm, Governor Umaru Bago mandated the completion of the Legislative quarters of the three-arm zone within the next three months. He affirmed that the Legislature’s oversight function would remain uncompromised, threatening dismissal for heads of MDAs that resist scrutiny.
Emphasizing the sanctity of the Legislature, he stated, “For the government to do well, somebody must criticize and scrutinize the activities of the government. We should leave our books open in the spirit of accountability”.
New Niger agenda
Earlier the Speaker of the House, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji explained that the budget’s N720 million increase aims to address critical areas for the realization of the “New Niger” agenda.
The Speaker credited the quick passage to effective collaboration between the Planning Commission and the Legislature during budget preparation.
He commended Governor Umaru Bago for his unwavering support to the legislature, assuring alignment with his vision to ensure its realization.
Notably, the 2024 budget, tagged “The Budget of the Future,” was presented on December 19, 2023, with a commitment from the Speaker to pass it by December 27, 2023, a target successfully achieved.
Emmanuel Ukoh
