By Wole Mosadomi, Minna

Minna—Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has presented a budget proposal exceeding N1.5 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly.

The budget, tagged “Budget of Hope for Sustainability and Food Security,” represents a 48.3% increase over the 2024 appropriation and was presented to the legislators late Wednesday night.

The proposed budget allocates over N196 billion for recurrent expenditure, while capital expenditure accounts for over N1.3 trillion, representing 87% of the total budget size. The revenue sources include Statutory Allocation, Value Added Tax, Other FAAC Receipts, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and Capital Receipts.

A sectoral breakdown shows that the Infrastructure, Housing, and Urban Renewal sector received the largest allocation of over N437 billion, while the Law and Justice sector received the smallest allocation of over N3.5 billion.

Governor Bago highlighted that the 2025 budget aims to solidify agriculture as the cornerstone of the state’s economy and build on the foundations his administration has laid for rapid socio-economic development. He emphasized the participatory and people-centered approach taken in the budget’s preparation.

“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 resilient food systems capable of creating sustainable prosperity,” he remarked.

The budget focuses on key economic sectors, including security, agriculture and food security, health, education, water and sanitation, infrastructure development, social security, and environmental sustainability.

Governor Bago noted the impressive performance of the approved 2024 budget, which achieved a 68.88% implementation rate. He expressed confidence that the 2025 budget would receive the necessary support to achieve its objectives.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, AbdulMalik Sarkin Daji, commended Governor Bago for his prudent management of state resources. He assured the governor of continued harmonious collaboration between the executive and legislative arms of government to advance the state’s development in all sectors.