Bago presents N1.5tr 2025 budget to Niger Assembly

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has presented N1.5trillion 2025 budget to the House of Assembly.

The budget tagged, “Budget of Hope for Sustainability and Food Security” was presented by the Governor at the flow of the State Assembly complex in Minna, on Thursday, 12th December 2024.

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

Highlights of the budget indicated that 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.

Accordingly, 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 governor noted that the budget revenue would be derived from Statutory Allocation, Value Added Tax, Other FAAC Receipts, IGR, other IGR, and Capital receipts.

He also stressed that 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, the governor explained that the 2025 estimate 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 reflects a collective commitment to the Green Initiative and agricultural drive of his administration, pointing out that the budget preparation followed a participatory, people-centered 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,” he said.

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

The governor noted that the approved 2024 budget recorded tremendous success with 68.88% budget performance.

Bago expressed confidence that the 2025 budget would receive all the needed support so that the desired objective would be achieved.

“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,” he said.

In his keynote address, the Speaker, the Niger State House of Assembly, AbdulMalik Sarkin Daji, lauded the governor for judicial and strategic stewardship of the State resources which he said has resulted in a substantial and transformative impact on the lives of the citizens.

Daji 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 the people, adding that the Assembly is resolute in its readiness to forge a dynamic partnership in pursuit of a prosperous and enduring legacy.