Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has presented a proposed 2025 budget of over N1.5 trillion to the State House of Assembly.
The budget, titled “Budget of Hope for Sustainability and Food Security,” was unveiled at the Usman Jokantoro Assembly complex in Minna on Thursday.
This 2025 budget marks a 48.3 percent increase compared to the appropriation for 2024.
In the proposed budget, over N196 billion is allocated for recurrent expenditure, while more than N1.3 trillion—accounting for 87 percent of the total budget—is designated for capital expenditure.
Governor Umaru Bago explained that the budget was developed based on the Economic and Fiscal Update (EFU), the Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), and the Budget Statement (BPS) for the years 2025–2027, as approved by the State Assembly.
According to him, “Revenue projections are expected to come from statutory allocations, Value Added Tax (VAT), other Federation Account receipts, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and capital receipts”.
Furthermore, the Governor stated that In the sectoral breakdown, the Infrastructure, Housing, and Urban Renewal sector received the highest allocation, amounting to over N437 billion,while the Law and Justice sector received the least allocation, estimated at N3.5 billion.
Presenting the budget, Governor Umaru Bago hilighted that that it aims to solidify agriculture as the cornerstone of the state’s economy while promoting rapid socio-economic development.
The Governor emphasized that the current administration in the state is commitment to sustainability, environmental health, and food security under its Green Initiative.
“The emphasis on sustainability reflects our collective commitment to the Niger State Green Initiative and the promotion of agricultural systems that ensure long-term prosperity,” he furthe stated, emphasizing that the budget preparation followed a participatory and people-centred approach.
Governor Umaru Bago however called for the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, noting that the approved 2024 budget achieved a performance rate of 68.88percent.
He thereby expressed optimism that the 2025 budget would receive the necessary backing to achieve its objectives.
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“Together, we can build the Niger State of our dream, with equal opportunities for all. I remain indebted to Nigerlites for their unwavering support and steadfast commitment to our initiatives,” the Governor declared .
The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. AbdulMalik Sarkin Dapolice, DSaji, commended Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his prudent management of state resources, which he pointed out ,has resulted in substantial developmental impacts.
Sarkin Daji also commended the harmonious working relationship between the Executive and Legislative arms of government, noting that it has facilitated the efficient decision-making and alignment on developmental priorities.
The Speaker reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to supporting the administration, expressing confidence that the 2025 fiscal year would bring transformative developments that position Niger State as a model of progress and prosperity.
Among the creme of the society present at the occasion to mark the second full budget presentation by the Mohammed Umaru Bago-led administration were the Governor’s wife, Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago, his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba; members of the State Executive Council; members of the Judiciary; traditional rulers led by the Emir of Borgu, including the heads of the various security Organizations such as the Police,DSS and NSCDC as well as religious leaders, Journalists, among others.
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