From Yakubu Mustapha
Niger state government has said that despite the shortfalls in this year’s allocation, the 2014 budget of over N98 billion is far better than previous budgets.
Commissioner for Planning Mallam Yahaya Dansallau said during a press conference by the state government in Minna that the overall budget performance for the first quarter, period between January and March 2014.
The 2014 budget of sustainable economic growth is predicted on a revenue estimate of N98.852, 343,536:00 consisting of recurrent expenditure of N47, 290,280,591.00 of the budget and capital expenditure of N51, 562,062,945.00.
According to Dansallau “it is aimed at completing all critical on-going projects; diversification of the state economy to reduce over dependence on Federation Account through intensified revenue drive and to make the state’s vision of being one of the top three economies in Nigeria by year 2020.
“It will strengthen synergy between the state and Local governments in terms of budget process and implementation; explore support from development partners; and cushion the impact of Petroleum Subsidy removal in the ordinary citizens through SURE-P.”
He said further that “the summary for the Pro-rated budget size for the first quarter is N24.713 billion with a total revenue performance that stands at N18.416 billion and the Statutory allocation performance standing on N11.504 billion at 66%.
“The 2014 budget is aimed at consolidating the achievements of 2013 with capital and recurrent expenditure ratio at 46:54, and this year’s budget is better than 2013 and other years despite the shortfalls”.
Never miss a moment! Get the stories shaping Nigeria, delivered straight to your phone. Follow Peoplesdaily Newspaper on WhatsApp for breaking news, exclusive reports, and the headlines everyone will be talking about, before anyone else.
