Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has signed into law the state’s N613.2 billion budget for 2024.
Bago warned his government officials not to generate and spend state revenue or face his wrath.
The governor signed the budget on Wednesday, hours after the state assembly passed it, noting that it contains a lot of information and assuring residents that it will be implemented properly.
Speaking after signing the Appropriation Bill, Bago commended the efforts of the legislators for the quick passage of the bill, saying it was unprecedented.
Bago reiterated his administration’s commitment to strengthening the existing synergy with the legislative arm, adding that he has directed that the legislative quarters in the three-arm zone be completed within the next three months so that they can have suitable accommodation.
He promised the people that the Legislature’s oversight tool would not be jeopardised, but he also threatened to fire all MDA heads who declined to appear before the Legislature for inspection and status inquiries.
“ The 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.
In his remarks, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, explained that the budget size was increased by N720 million to cater for some critical areas of need for the realisation of the “New Niger” agenda.
He said the quick passage was achieved because the Planning Commission was able to carry the Legislature along in the budget.
Sarkin-David pledged the unflinching support of the legislature and assured that the 10th Assembly shares in his vision and will stop at nothing to ensure it is realised.
According to reports, Bago presented the 2024 estimate, tagged “Budget of the Future,” to the state assembly for passage on December 19, 2023, during which the Speaker promised that the legislators would ensure its passage on or before December 27, 2023.