Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago has presented a ₦1.56 trillion budget for the 2025 fiscal year to the State House of Assembly. Titled the “Budget of Hope for Sustainability and Food Security,” the proposed budget marks a 48.32% increase from the 2024 appropriation and is designed to drive socio-economic growth and food security.
The budget prioritizes critical sectors, with ₦437 billion allocated to road infrastructure in both urban and rural areas, making it the largest single allocation. Agriculture follows closely with ₦399 billion, while the education sector is set to receive ₦90.9 billion. The budget dedicates 87% of the total expenditure to capital projects, underlining the administration’s focus on development.
Governor Bago emphasized agriculture as a cornerstone for economic growth and pledged that the budget would address the state’s pressing infrastructure needs. He called on Niger state indigenes to unite behind the “New Niger Agenda” to achieve the state’s development goals, urging the legislature to expedite the budget’s approval for timely implementation.
Revenue projections for the 2025 budget include ₦53.4 billion from statutory allocations, ₦85.3 billion from Value Added Tax (VAT), and ₦63.36 billion in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). Additionally, ₦933.56 billion in capital receipts is expected to support the ambitious plan.
The budget was prepared using a participatory approach, incorporating citizen input through town hall meetings. It is based on key economic assumptions, including an exchange rate of ₦1,500 per dollar and a projected inflation rate of 28%, to reflect the current realities.
Governor Bago reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustainability, food security, and infrastructural development. He assured that the proposed budget aligns with the aspirations of Niger state people and sets a clear path for growth and prosperity in the state.
