The Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Bello has declared his intention to borrow N80 billion to implement 69 major projects in 2023.
The Governor, made this revelation at a town hall meeting which was put in place by the State Planning Commission in collaboration with the State House of Assembly Committee on Appropriation in Minna, the capital of the state.
The Governor said: “Over N80 billion is expected to be borrowed consisting of N63.28 billion from external and N16.97 billion internal borrowing to finance the 2023 budget. I want to assure you that the state government is comfortable and sustainable in the repayment.”
He also revealed that the 2023 budget had focused education, rural access roads, social and health sectors, which include women, and youth empowerment schemes.
Representing the Governor was the deputy governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso, who commended the State House of Assembly for the approval of the public meeting to foster inclusiveness, transparency, accountability.
He has referred to the 2023 budget as a “people-oriented” one that welcomes the idea and input of the people of the state.
Hon. Bashir Lokogoma, the Chairman, House of Assembly Committee on Planning and Appropriation, expressed worry over the low Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, of the state.
He has implored the state planning commission to consider it “with all seriousness to bridge the gap.”