By Tunde Bolaji – Minna.
Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has presented a budget of over N1.5 trillion for 2025 to the State House of Assembly.
The budget, tagged “Budget of Hope for Sustainability and Food Security,” was presented by the governor at the State Assembly complex in Minna.
The 2025 budget is 48.3% higher than the 2024 appropriation. Over N196 billion has been earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while more than N1.3 trillion, representing 87% of the total budget size, is allocated to capital expenditure.
The budget was developed based on the Economic and Fiscal Update (EFU), Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP), and Budget Statement (BPS) 2025–2027, as passed by the State Assembly.
Revenue for the budget will be derived from Statutory Allocation, Value Added Tax, Other FAAC Receipts, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), other IGR sources, and Capital Receipts.
According to 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 lowest allocation of over N3.5 billion.
Presenting the 2025 budget, Governor Bago explained that the budget aims to solidify agriculture as the cornerstone of the state’s economy while strengthening the foundation his administration has laid for rapid socio-economic development.
He emphasized that the focus on sustainability reflects the collective commitment to the state’s Green Initiative and agricultural transformation. The governor pointed out that the budget was prepared through a participatory, people-centred approach.
>”The emphasis on sustainability reflects our collective commitment to the Niger State Green Initiative and our drive for agriculture that promotes long-term environmental health and resilient food systems capable of creating sustainable prosperity.
“This budget will focus on key economic sectors, including the security of lives and property, agriculture and food security, health, education, water and sanitation, infrastructure development, social security, and environmental sustainability,” he said.
The governor urged all stakeholders to support and cooperate in achieving the goals of a “New Niger.”
While noting that the approved 2024 budget achieved 68.88% performance, Governor Bago expressed confidence that the 2025 budget would receive the necessary support to achieve its objectives.
“Together, we can build the Niger State of our dreams, with equal opportunities for all to thrive. Once again, I wish to reiterate my gratitude to everyone for their steadfast support for all our initiatives. I also thank all Nigerlites for their unwavering understanding and encouragement.”
In his remarks, the Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, AbdulMalik Sarkin Daji, commended the governor for his judicious and strategic management of state resources, which he said has resulted in substantial and transformative impacts on citizens’ lives.
The Speaker highlighted the harmonious relationship between the Executive and Legislative arms of government, noting that this collaboration has enabled efficient decision-making, alignment on developmental priorities, and a shared commitment to public welfare. He assured the Assembly’s unwavering commitment to supporting the Bago administration, expressing confidence that the 2025 fiscal year would bring transformative developments, making Niger State a model of progress, stability, and prosperity.
This is the second full budget presentation of the Bago-led administration. The presentation was attended by the governor’s wife, Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago, Deputy Governor Comrade Yakubu Garba, members of the State Executive Council, top government functionaries, members of the Judiciary, the State Council of Traditional Rulers led by the Emir of Borgu, and religious leaders, among others.
