The Niger State Government has said that despite the shortfalls in the 2014 allocation, this year’s budget of over N98 billion is the best so far as it is better than the 2013 and previous budgets.
The 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 was N17.347 billion, making it 70.19 per cent.
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.
“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 per cent.
“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.
“Any government that will give emphasis in sourcing for funds against its revenue is working towards transparency and judicious use of funds.”
Dansallau also said that the counterpart funding gotten by the state government is a priority because the budget size will not be able to meet all the requirements of the state except with external funds.
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