Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has officially signed the state’s N613.2 billion budget for the year 2024 into law.
Following the swift passage of the budget by the state assembly, Governor Bago cautioned government officials against mishandling state revenue, emphasizing strict adherence to budgetary allocations.
Expressing gratitude for the assembly’s prompt approval, Governor Bago assured residents that the budget, which he described as holding significant implications, would be diligently implemented.
During the signing ceremony, Bago applauded the legislators for their unprecedented efficiency in passing the Appropriation Bill.
“Legislature and its sanctity must be protected. For the government to do well, somebody must criticise and scrutinise the activities of the government. We should leave our books open in the Spirit of accountability,” he said.
Governor Bago underscored the importance of maintaining the sanctity of the Legislature, vowing to dismiss heads of government agencies that refused legislative scrutiny. He emphasized the need for accountability and defended the role of the Legislature in critiquing government activities.
In response, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, explained that the budget size was augmented by N720 million to address crucial needs aligned with the “New Niger” agenda. Sarkin-Daji attributed the swift passage to effective collaboration with the Planning Commission.
Assuring unwavering support, the Speaker pledged the 10th Assembly’s commitment to Governor Bago’s vision, vowing to actively contribute to its realization. The budget, presented on December 19, 2023, under the theme “Budget of the future,” was successfully passed, as promised, on December 27, 2023.
