Governor Umaru Bago of Niger State has presented a N1.31 trillion Niger budget for the 2026 fiscal year. He said the proposal reflects consolidation, growth and long-term stability. The plan, called the “Budget of Consolidation,” focuses on jobs, agriculture, healthcare, road projects and education.
Capital Spending Takes the Lead in Niger Budget
Bago explained that the Niger budget allocates N270.29 billion for recurrent costs and N761.64 billion for capital projects. Therefore, capital spending forms 73.81% of the entire budget.
He added that revenue will come from statutory allocation of N163.2 billion, VAT of N154.7 billion, internally generated revenue of N100.2 billion and capital receipts totalling N398.8 billion. In addition, he said the state expects better revenue performance as reforms expand.
Key Sectors Receive Strong Allocations
Agriculture will receive N59.2 billion. Moreover, the state will fund fertiliser distribution, build new abattoirs and set up an Agricultural Cooperative Agency to support farmers.
Education gets N107.9 billion. As a result, 325 schools will be upgraded, teachers will receive training and young people will gain vocational skills in ICT and agriculture.
Health has N72 billion. Consequently, the state will push for universal coverage, complete PHCs and strengthen insurance schemes.
Infrastructure and Economic Expansion Drive the Plan
Infrastructure receives N761.6 billion. Because of this, road construction, water projects and energy systems will dominate spending.
The economic sector gets N510.3 billion for agriculture, commerce and industrial growth.
The social sector receives N194.1 billion for education, health and welfare programmes.
Furthermore, N7.8 billion will support the law and justice sector, while N50.3 billion goes to general administration to improve public service efficiency.
Lawmakers Back the State’s Development Agenda
The Niger budget is based on an exchange rate of N1,447.21 per dollar, inflation of 16.05% and GDP growth of 4.23%. Bago said implementation will prioritise food security, revenue growth and completion of ongoing projects.
Speaker Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji pledged cooperation. He noted that, with unity across institutions, Niger can achieve a stronger and more secure “New Niger.”
