The Governor of Niger State, Mohammed Bago, has signed the state’s 2024 appptiation bill of N613.2 billion into law.
According to The PUNCH, Bago signed the budget on Wednesday, hours after the state assembly passed the budget.
He explained that the budget holds a lot while give the residents assurance that it will be implemented accordingly.
The Governor warned officials of his government not to generate and spend the state revenue or face prosecution.
While speaking after signing the Appropriation Bill, Bago appreciated the efforts of the legislators for the quick passage of the bill, adding that it was unprecedented.
The Governor reaffirmed his government’d commitment to enhancing the existing collaboration with the legislative arm pointing out that he has directed that the Legislative quarters at the three Arm zone be completed in the next three months for them to have a befitting accommodation.
He promised the people that the instrument of the oversight function of the Legislature will not be compromised, noting l all the heads of MDAs that refuse to appear before the Legislature for scrutiny and status enquiry will be fired.
“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.
The Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, remarked 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 noted that the quick passage was achieved because the Planning Commission was able to carry the Legislature along in the budget.
Sarkin-David vowed that the legislature would support his administration and assured that the 10th Assembly shares in his vision and will stop at nothing to ensure it is realized.
PUNCH reported that Bago had on December 19, 2023, presented the 2024 estimate tagged “Budget of the future” to the state assembly for passage during which the Speaker promised that the legislators would ensure its passage on or before December 27, 2023.
