As part of efforts to curtail the high security challenges in Niger State, the state government has earmarked N478,956,614.44, out of the N238,924,457,782.47 estimated 2023 budget to strengthen the state internal security.
Hon. Commissioner/Deputy Chairman, Niger State Planning Commission, Malam Zakari Abubakar made the disclosure at a press briefing held at Government House, Minna Niger State recently, saying security is paramount.
Hon. Zakari explained that the money was meant to purchase security gadgets for vigilante corps, installation of CCTV surveillance system around Minna, mitigation and response in 25 LGAs and other security activities across the state.
The 2023 proposed budget is aimed at consolidating the achievements of this administration in the past seven years and laying a solid foundation for the next administration.
The Hon. Commissioner while breaking down the 2023 proposed budget of consolidation and transition said the budget is estimated at N238,924,457,782.47, which according to him comprises N91,044,745,351.31 (38.11%) and N147,879,712,431.16 (61.89%) recurrent and capital estimates respectively.
“The budget is aimed at completion of projects that are at advanced stages of completion. It focuses on: Security, agriculture, infrastructural development, education, health, water, sanitation and people with special needs”, he explained
On revenue, Zakari said the year 2023 proposed budget is underpinned by the Medium-Term Fiscal Framework (MTEF); Economic Fiscal Update and Fiscal Strategy Paper (EFU-FSP) 2023-25 which is the three-year plan that normally provides for annual plans/budgets.
The total estimated revenue of N238,924,457,782.47 according to him, was derived from the following revenue sources: Statutory Allocation (SA), Value Added Tax (VAT), Internally Generated Revenue, Capital Receipt (CR).
“Other revenue include refunds- N61,094,737,097.00 (25.57%) estimated as Statutory Allocation (SA) was arrived at using the following indices: Inflation 17.16%, GDP – 3.75%, Oil Production Benchmark (MBPD) 1.60, NGN: USD exchange rate 435.57”.
The Hon. Commissioner put the breakdown of other revenue estimates as follows: VAT = N35,616,260,802.00 (14.91%), IGR = N22,519,483 (9.43%), Capital Receipt =N115,436,249.753.47 (48.31%). Others include refunds N4,257,726,144.00 (1.78%).
