From Yakubu Mustapha Minna
Niger State government has earmarked 69 major projects for execution in the 2023 budget appropriation presented before the state house of assembly for approval.
Commissioner and deputy chairman Ministry of Planning Commission, Alhaji Zakari Abubakar made this disclosure at the town hall meeting organized by the Niger State Planning Commission and the State House of Assembly Committee on Appropriation in Minna.
Abubakar noted that over N80 billion is expected to be borrowed consisting of N63.28 billion from external and N16.97 billion internal borrowing to finance the next year budget, hence the state is comfortable and sustainable in the repayment.
He revealed that the 2023 has prioritized its focus on rural access roads, education, health and social sectors, youth and women empowerment as well as renovation of public buildings among others.
Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger state represented by the deputy governor Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso applauded the state assembly for approving the public meeting to enhance accountability, inclusiveness and participatory democracy.
He stated that the 2023 budget is people priority budget that has the inputs of the citizens to achieve priority spending as recommended for democratic responsiveness.
The House of Assembly Committee chairman for planning, Bashir Lokogoma decried over poor Internal Generated Revenue of the state, urging the state planning commission to look into the state IGR with all seriousness to bridge the gap.
