The appropriation bill for 2023, totaling more than N243 billion, has been signed into law by Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, the governor of Niger State.
The bill is N5 billion more than the estimate he earlier submitted for consideration to the state House of Assembly.
It will be recalled that Bello presented the state House of Assembly with a budget proposal of over N238 billion on November 1, 2022.
The governor stated his administration is aware of the lack of funding during a brief ceremony in the Council Chamber of Government House in Minna, but he expressed the hope that the budget will be for the benefit of all residents of the state.
He claims that “I am optimistic that the 2023 budget if implemented up to 90%, would bring about a better Niger State. This is the last budget I will be assenting to under my administration, the incoming administration might make some changes or maintain what is already approved”.
Over N152 billion is scheduled to be spent on capital projects, compared to over N91 billion on ongoing expenses.
The Administration had over N9 billion, Economics had over N102 billion, Law and Justice had over N1 billion, while the Social sector ate up over N38 billion, according to a sector breakdown.
Bello praised the legislative branch for continuing to support the executive branch, especially for working so hard to achieve the budget’s passage.
“I also appreciate the leadership and members of the State Budget and Planning Commission, all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) for contributing to making sure the budget was passed,” he added.
