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By Correspondent in Minna.
(C) Google.
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State on Friday presented a budget of over ₦1.03 trillion to the State House of Assembly as the 2026 Appropriation Bill.
The budget, tagged “Budget of Consolidation,” was laid before lawmakers at about 5:00 p.m. at the old Assembly Complex in Minna, the state capital.
A breakdown of the proposal shows that over ₦270 billion, representing 26.19 per cent, is earmarked for recurrent expenditure, while more than ₦761 billion, or 73.81 per cent, is allocated to capital expenditure.
Governor Bago said the budget would be financed through statutory allocation, Value Added Tax (VAT), Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), other FAAC receipts, capital receipts, grants and loans.
According to him, the 2026 fiscal plan is designed to consolidate previous achievements while addressing emerging challenges, particularly in the face of a rapidly changing global economic environment.
On sectoral allocation, the governor disclosed that the economic sector received the highest allocation of over ₦510 billion, while the transportation sector received the least allocation of just over ₦1 billion.
Bago explained that key government interventions in 2026 would focus on wealth and job creation, agricultural transformation, strengthening the health sector, road infrastructure development, and the completion of inherited water and electricity projects.
Other priority areas,he added ,include improving education, boosting internal revenue generation, strict adherence to due process, digital transformation of state-owned media, strengthening peace and security, and fostering development partnerships.
“The 2026 Budget is anchored on fiscal discipline, strategic investment and targeted interventions aimed at expanding economic opportunities for our citizens,” the governor said, adding that the proposal also prioritises the completion of ongoing infrastructure projects across the state.
He noted that despite inflationary pressures and fluctuating revenues, his administration had managed resources prudently and delivered tangible results over the last two years.
“The proposal reflects the trust our citizens have placed in us. It builds on our past achievements while addressing today’s pressing needs,” he said.
Governor Bago commended the Speaker of the House, RT.Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, and members of the 10th State Assembly for their cooperation, describing their support as instrumental to improved governance and service delivery.
He urged lawmakers to give the bill accelerated consideration and passage in the interest of the state, while also calling on citizens to support his administration in building a secure, green and prosperous Niger State.
In his response, Speaker Sarkin-Daji praised the cordial relationship between the executive and the legislature arms of government in the state, noting that the governor’s respect for legislative processes and regular consultations has contributed to the development gains recorded so far.
The Speaker assured that the House would promptly consider the budget proposal and pledged continued legislative support to strengthen governance, institutional development and overall socio-economic progress in the state.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
