Niger State Governor Mohammed Bago has put into law the State N613.2 billion budget for 2024.
Bago told his government staff not to earn and squander state revenue or risk his wrath.
The governor signed the budget on Wednesday, hours after the state parliament passed it, remarking that it contains a lot of information and assuring residents that it will be implemented properly.
Bago, speaking after signing the Appropriation Bill, praised legislators for the bill’s rapid passage, calling it unusual.
Bago reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhance the existing synergy with the legislative arm, adding that he has directed that the Legislative quarters at the three Arm zones be finished over the next three months to provide them with enough housing.
While assuring the public that the Legislature’s oversight function will not be jeopardized, he stated that all heads of MDAs who refuse to appear before the Legislature for inspection and status inquiries will be sacked.
“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 state House of Assembly Speaker, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, indicated in his remarks that the budget size was increased by N720 million to provide for some crucial areas of need for the realization of the “New Niger” program.
He claimed that the rapid passage was possible because the Planning Commission was able to keep the Legislature on track with the budget.
Sarkin-David offered the legislature’s unwavering support and assured that the 10th Assembly shares his goal and will go to any length to see it achieved.
According to Platinum Times, Bago presented the 2024 estimate branded “Budget of the Future” to the state parliament for adoption on December 19, 2023, during which the Speaker stated that the legislators would assure its passage on or before December 27, 2023.