Gov Bago presents N1.56trn 2025 budget to Niger Assembly

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has presented a proposed 2025 Budget of over N1.56 trillion to the State House of Assembly.

The budget, titled “Budget of Hope for Sustainability and Food Security,” was presented at the Assembly complex on Thursday in Minna.

The 2025 Budget represents a 48.3 percent increase compared to the 2024 appropriation.

Over N196 billion is earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while more than N1.3 trillion—constituting 87 percent of the total budget—is allocated to capital expenditure.

Governor Umaru Bago explained that the budget was crafted based on the Economic and Fiscal Update (EFU), Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), and Budget Statement (BPS) 2025–2027, as approved by the State Assembly.

According to him, “Revenue projections are expected to come from statutory allocations, Value Added Tax (VAT), other Federation Account receipts, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), and capital receipts.”

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Furthermore, the Governor stated that, in the sectoral breakdown, the Infrastructure, Housing, and Urban Renewal sector received the highest allocation, amounting to over N437 billion, while the Law and Justice sector received the least allocation, estimated at N3.5 billion.

Presenting the budget, Governor Umaru Bago highlighted that it aims to solidify agriculture as the cornerstone of the state’s economy while promoting rapid socio-economic development.

The Governor emphasized that the current administration in the state is committed to sustainability, environmental health, and food security under its Green Initiative.

“The emphasis on sustainability reflects our collective commitment to the Niger State Green Initiative and the promotion of agricultural systems that ensure long-term prosperity,” he further stated, emphasizing that the budget preparation followed a participatory and people-centered approach.

Governor Umaru Bago, however, called for the support and cooperation of all stakeholders, noting that the approved 2024 budget achieved a performance rate of 68.88 percent.

He expressed optimism that the 2025 budget would receive the necessary backing to achieve its objectives.

“Together, we can build the Niger State of our dreams, with equal opportunities for all. I remain indebted to Nigerlites for their unwavering support and steadfast commitment to our initiatives,” the Governor declared.

The Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. AbdulMalik Sarkin Dapolice, DSaji, commended Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago for his prudent management of state resources, which, he pointed out, has resulted in substantial developmental impacts.

Sarkin Daji also commended the harmonious working relationship between the Executive and Legislative arms of government, noting that it has facilitated efficient decision-making and alignment on developmental priorities.

The Speaker reiterated the Assembly’s commitment to supporting the administration, expressing confidence that the 2025 fiscal year would bring transformative developments that position Niger State as a model of progress and prosperity.

Among the crème de la crème of society present at the occasion to mark the second full budget presentation by the Mohammed Umaru Bago-led administration were the Governor’s wife, Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago; his deputy, Comrade Yakubu Garba; members of the State Executive Council; members of the Judiciary; traditional rulers led by the Emir of Borgu; heads of various security organizations such as the Police, DSS, and NSCDC; religious leaders; journalists, and others.