Niger State Governor, Mohammed Bago, has officially signed the state’s 2024 budget into law, amounting to N613.2 billion, News About Nigeria reports.
Speaking on the importance of fiscal responsibility, the governor issued a stern warning to government officials, cautioning them against generating and spending state revenue without due diligence.
Governor Bago, who signed the budget on Wednesday shortly after its passage by the state assembly, assured residents that it would be implemented meticulously.
During the signing ceremony, he commended the state legislators for their swift action in passing the appropriation bill, describing it as unprecedented.
Expressing his commitment to fostering collaboration between the executive and legislative branches, Governor Bago announced plans to complete the Legislative quarters at the three Arm zone within the next three months, providing a suitable accommodation for members of the legislative arm.
While pledging to protect the sanctity of the legislature, Bago warned that all heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) refusing to subject themselves to legislative scrutiny would face consequences, including termination.
“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,” the governor said.
The Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, explained that the budget size was increased by N720 million to address critical areas necessary for the realisation of the ‘New Niger’ agenda.
The swift passage of the budget, according to Sarkin-Daji, was facilitated by the Planning Commission’s collaboration with the Legislature in the budgetary process.
The Speaker pledged the unwavering support of the legislature, assuring that the 10th Assembly shares the governor’s vision and will spare no effort in ensuring its realisation.
Governor Bago had presented the 2024 budget estimate, themed ‘Budget of the Future’, on December 19, 2023.
The Speaker had promised a timely passage, which was achieved on December 27, 2023.
