Governor Mohammed Bago of Niger State has signed into law the 2024 appropriation bill to the tune of over N613.9 billion with an addition of N720 million.
The initial appropriation bill as presented by the Governor to the Assembly on December 19, 2023, was N613.2 billion.
Bago, who signed the budget a few hours after the Niger State Assembly had passed it, applauded the efforts of the state legislators in ensuring the speedy passage of the budget while assuring that it will be implemented accordingly.
He directed all the revenue-generating ministries, departments and agencies, MDAs, to live up to expectations while warning organisations that”generate and spend” not to dare him as the policy has been abolished.
He also assured the Speaker of the House, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, that the instrument of the oversight function of the legislature will not be compromised, adding that he had directed that the legislative quarters at the Three Arms Zone be completed in the next three months for a befitting accommodation.
He further warned that all the heads of MDAs who refused to avail themselves before the legislature for scrutiny and status enquiry would be fired.
“For the government to do well, somebody must criticize and scrutinize the activities of the government. We should leave our books open in the spirit of accountability,” he said.
Earlier, the speaker told the governor that the appropriation bill was increased by N720 million to address some critical areas of need in a bid to realise the “New Niger” agenda.
He also stated that the quick passage of the budget was achieved with the help of the Planning Commission in its preparation while thanking Bago for his unflinching support to the legislature.
Recall that Governor Bago had on December 19, 2023, presented the appropriation bill before the Niger State Assembly of which, the Speaker, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, assured that the House will work hard to ensure its passage on or before December 27, 2023.