Business
THE Niger Planning Commission has assured citizens of the state that the 2027 budget will be realistic and responsive to their needs.
Hajiya Aisha Usman, Permanent Secretary of the commission, gave the assurance at the closing of the zonal citizens’ engagement on the preparation of the 2027 budget in Zungeru.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the engagement ended with Zone C, comprising Wushishi, Mariga, Magama, Mashegu, Kontagora, Rijau, Agwara and Borgu Local Government Areas.
Usman said the priority needs presented by stakeholders during the engagement would be collated and categorised according to tiers and sectors for necessary action.
She said that the next stage in the preparation of the 2027 budget would be budget discussions by various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
In his presentation, Mr Umar Isah, Director of Budget in the commission, identified security as the top priority of the state government.
Isah also stressed the need for stakeholders to intensify efforts toward revenue generation to enhance effective budget implementation.
Also speaking, Mr Usman Jemaku, Director of Planning, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, called for increased capital expenditure at the local government level to accelerate grassroots development.
The chairmen of the participating local government areas commended the commission for organising the citizens’ engagement, describing it as critical to effective budget planning.
They identified insecurity and inadequate infrastructure as some of the major challenges confronting the zone.
The local government chairmen also called for budget proposals that reflected current economic realities, while assuring that technology would be deployed to block revenue leakages and improve internally generated revenue.
Some stakeholders who spoke to NAN expressed satisfaction with the budget preparation process and urged the government to ensure effective implementation to boost public confidence.
Earlier, the commission’s team paid a courtesy visit to the District Head of Zungeru, Alhaji Tanko Madaki, to inform him of the engagement and seek his royal blessing.
Madaki appreciated the team for the initiative and appealed to the state government to prioritise youth employment and rehabilitation of the Zungeru market.
He also called for the rehabilitation of roads and bridges, particularly the Unguwan Madaki Road, which he said was at risk of being cut off.
NAN
A.I
Aug. 27, 2026
Tags: Alhaji Tanko Madaki Hajiya Aisha Usman Mr Umar Isah Mr Usman Jemaku