LIVE UPDATES
The Niger State House of Assembly, on Wednesday, successfully passed five bills into law. These bills, aimed at enhancing various aspects of governance, have been forwarded to the State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, for approval.
Among the bills approved was a crucial amendment to the Niger State Tax Administration and Consolidation Law. Introduced by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Idris Musa Vatsa of Lapai Constituency, and seconded by the Minority Leader, Hon. Andrew Doma of Shiroro Constituency, the amendment seeks to improve tax collection methods, thereby boosting revenue generation for the state.
Furthermore, bills introduced by the Majority Leader that gained legislative approval include the establishment of the Niger State Investment Promotion Agency and related matters. Another significant bill passed was focused on establishing the Public-Private Partnership Agency and addressing pertinent issues for the year 2023.
Additionally, the House approved an amendment to the Niger State University of Education Law, 2013, and related matters, following its third reading.
During the session, the Chairman of the Planning and Appropriation Committee, Hon. Zubairu Ismaila of Rafi Constituency, presented a report on the 2024 budget estimate. After thorough discussions in both plenary and the Committee of the Whole, the initial budget estimate of Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago was increased from N613,274,884,697.00 to N613,994,801,697.00, reflecting a N720 million increase.
The House has now entered a recess and is scheduled to reconvene on February 6, 2024. In appreciation of the members' efforts, the Speaker of the 10th Legislative Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mohammed Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, represented by his deputy, Hon. Afiniki Eunice Dauda, commended the collective dedication that facilitated the swift passage of the 2024 budget.
