Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State presents a draft budget of N1.20 trillion for the 2025 fiscal year, targeting infrastructure development and economic growth.
The Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mustapha Ndajiwo, unveils the details during the Niger State Executive Council meeting at the Government House in Minna on November 26, 2024. The proposal is confirmed by Abdullberqy Usman Ebbo, the Governor’s Special Adviser on Digital Media and Strategy.
“The draft budget for 2025, totaling N1.20 trillion, is submitted to the Executive Council for approval,” states Ebbo.
Budget Breakdown
The proposed 2025 budget comprises:
- Recurrent expenditure: N188.42 billion (15.68%)
- Capital expenditure: N1.01 trillion (84.34%)
Ndajiwo explains that the 2025 budget reflects a 32.94% increase compared to the approved 2024 budget, which includes an additional N191.98 billion. The new estimate also shows a 1.18% rise in recurrent expenditure and a 32.98% increase in capital expenditure, emphasizing a strong focus on infrastructure and development projects.
“This budget prioritizes addressing infrastructure gaps and responding to inflationary trends,” Ndajiwo states.
Key Drivers of the Budget
Governor Bago highlights the two main factors influencing the budget’s size:
- Infrastructure needs: The state prioritizes critical infrastructure to drive development.
- Inflation: Rising costs necessitate increased funding for planned initiatives.
Following the presentation, the Executive Council approves the budget proposal and directs Ndajiwo to finalize it for submission to the Niger State House of Assembly.
Strategic Plans for Agriculture and Economic Growth
As part of its development agenda, Niger State partners with Chinese Special Agro-Industrial Processing Zone facilities in Sichuan Province to boost agricultural productivity and reduce post-harvest losses. This collaboration emphasizes knowledge sharing, technology transfer, and investment to enhance food security and improve agricultural output.
The state also allocates 1.2 million hectares of land for a $2.5 billion livestock investment project involving Nigeria’s Federal Government and JBS, a leading Brazilian meat processing company. This initiative positions Niger State as a pilot state, offering benefits such as:
- Creation of one million jobs
- Development of 100,000 homes in farm estates
- Establishment of 100 agricultural facilities
Infrastructure projects like the Sokoto-Badagry Super Highway, which spans 125 kilometers through Niger State, play a crucial role in supporting these initiatives, fostering economic growth and enhancing living standards.
