Niger state budget of hope presented to the state house of assembly for consideration.

ADIGUN TUNDE BOLAJI -MINNA

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago has presented more than N1.5 trillion as 2025 budget, to the State Assembly.

The budget tagged, “Budget of Hope for Sustainability and Food Security” was presented by the farmer Governor at the State Assembly complex in Minna.

The 2025 budget is higher than the 2024 appropriation, with 48.3%.

Over N196 billion was projected as the 2025 recurrent expenditure while above N1.3 trillion representing 87% of the total size of the budget was for capital expenditure.

The 2025 budget was based on the Economic and Fiscal Update (EFU), Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) and Budget Statement (BPS) 2025 – 2027 as passed by the State Assembly.

The budget revenue would be derived from Statutory Allocation, Value Added Tax, Other FAAC Receipts, IGR, other IGR, and Capital Receipt.

Based on the sectorial breakdown of the 2025 budget, the Infrastructure, Housing and Urban Renewal sector, got the highest allocation to the tune of over N437 billion, while Law and Justice got the lowest estimate which stood at over N3.5 billion.

Presenting the 2025 budget, farmer Governor explained that the 2025 estimate which is aimed at solidifying agriculture as a cornerstone of the state’s economy would also strengthen the foundation laid by his administration for rapid socio-economic development of the State.

He said the emphasis on sustainability reflect the collective commitment to the Green Initiative and agricultural drive of his administration, pointing out that the budget preparation followed a participatory, people-centred approach.

“The emphasis on sustainability indicates our collective commitment to the Niger State Green Initiative and our drive for agriculture that promotes long-term environmental health and food systems that are resilient and capable of creating sustainable prosperity.

“This will focus on the key economic sectors: security of lives and properties, Agriculture and Food Security, Health, Education, Water and Sanitation, Infrastructure Development, Social Security, and Environmental Sustainability”, he said.

He said the quest for a New Niger calls for support, cooperation, and understanding of all and sundry.

While noting that the approved 2024 budget recorded tremendous success with 68.88% budget performance, farmer Governor Umaru Bago expressed confidence that the 2025 would receive all the needed support so that the desired objective would be achieved.

According to him, “Together, we can build a New Niger of our desire with equal opportunities for all to strive. Once more, I wish to reiterate that I am indebted to you all and appreciate the steadfast support accorded to all our initiatives. Also, I want to thank all Nigerlites for their unwavering support and understanding”

In his remarks, the Speaker, Niger State House of Assembly, AbdulMalik Sarkin Daji, commended the farmer Governor for judicial and strategic stewardship of the State resources which he said has resulted in substantial and transformative impact on the lives of the citizens.

The Speaker observed that the harmonious working relationship between the Executive and Legislative arms of government has led to efficient decision-making, alignment on developmental priorities, and a shared commitment to the welfare of our people, adding that the Assembly is resolute in its readiness to forge a dynamic partnership in pursuit of a prosperous and enduring legacy.

He reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of the 11th Assembly to supporting the Bago-led administration, and expressed confidence that the coming fiscal year will bring even more transformative developments that would make Niger State a model of progress, stability, and prosperity.

This is the second full budget the Bago-led administration presented to the State Assembly with his Wife, Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago, Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba, members of the State Executive Council, top government functionaries, Members of the Judiciary, Members of the State Council of the Traditional Rulers led by the Emir of Borgu and Religious leaders among others in attendance.