[center]YEAR 2020 BUDGET PRESENTATION BY
ALHAJI (DR) ABUBAKAR SANI BELLO, THE GOVERNOR OF NIGER STATE, AT THE NIGER STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY COMPLEX, MINNA; ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10TH, 2019.[/center]

BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS
Agriculture and Rural Development
45. As earlier indicated, we remain determined to utilize agriculture to drive our economy and have allocated the total sum of N 8,784,873,358.00 to the sector; of this amount, N2,016,888,623.00 is earmarked for the upgrading of 6 (RAMPII) Rural Access and Mobility Road Projects under the SUKUK/Private Bond; N1,023,384,416 will go for completion of the on-going 403 km Rural Roads projects across the state. The sum of N653,278,149.00 is expected as drawdown under the Value Chain Development Programme on Rice and Sorghum. The sum of N50Million is proposed for the Niger State Agricultural Mechanization Agency for its routine extension services, provision of productive infrastructure and other farm inputs.
46. The College of Agriculture Mokwa and the Farm Institutes in Tegina and Kuta are to be upgraded with proposed allocations of N130Million and N80Million respectively. Government will also continue to facilitate the provision of improved seeds, fertilizers and other farm inputs.
47. In the area of livestock services, large expanse of land will be developed into pastures to help reduce movement of herdsmen around the state. Similarly, government will intensify collaborative development at the Bobi Grazing Reserve and gazette 5 other Grazing Reserves in the State in the 2020 fiscal year.
48. Three new veterinary clinics will be constructed in Mariga, Mokwa and Suleja, while the ones at Bida, Lemu, Kagara, Wushishi, Kuta and Kontagora will be rehabilitated in addition to the purchase and distribution of drugs and vaccines to veterinary clinics. Other Stock Routes and Control Posts will be rehabilitated to check and guarantee ease of livestock movement across the state.
Roads and Transport
49. As I said earlier, most roads in Niger State are in deplorable condition. However, in the next fiscal year we will focus on completing most on-going state and township road projects. We shall continue to pressurize the Federal Government to do the needful on the expansive federal roads in the state.
50. Mr. Speaker Sir, Honourable Members and Distinguished Nigerlites, in specifics, government will ensure the dualization of Minna-Bida and Broadcasting-Shiroro–Imani Clinic roads. While reconstruction of Kontagora Bypass and Paiko–Lapai roads as well as construction of the Industrial Layout Road will be done in 2020. To ensure continuous maintenance of roads, the capacity of the Niger State Road Maintenance Agency (NIGROMA) will be strengthened with provision of necessary plants and equipment.
51. On transport, the Niger State Transport Authority will continue to be supported to enable it sustainably provide affordable transport and haulage services to the people.


Environment
52. Mr. Speaker, Honourable Members, we shall leverage on our relationship with the World Bank through NEWMAP to complete the reclamation and afforestation projects in Rijau, Gurusu and Kutiriko communities. The activities of the State NEWMAP have qualified us for Additional Financing (AF) of $5Million to fix some ecological challenges in the state.
Electrification
53. In line with the focus of the budget, on-going electrification projects spread across the State will be pursued to ensure completion. Communities will continue to be assisted with transformers and accessories to boost electricity supply. We will connect Agwara town and environs to the national grid, while installation of solar streetlight on major streets and special places will continue. Some existing conventional street lightening system will be converted to solar system. The sums of N500Million and N300Million have been earmarked for electrification and streetlight projects respectively.
Water Supply
54. Government will continue to make safe and portable water available by completing ongoing water projects in the state. To this end, the sum of N1, 170,000,000.00 has been earmarked to the water sector. This is to be used to consolidate and continue with the restoration, expansion of water supply and other on-going water projects. Furthermore, government will drill more hand pump boreholes and rehabilitate many others across the State.
Education
55. The education sector is allocated the sum of N9, 244,717,304.00 for its activities in 2020 financial year. Highlight in this sector include the provision of N509,910,274.00 for the renovation and upgrading of post primary schools; N1,145,007,615 is earmarked for Universal Basic Education Intervention and N1,953,999,771.00 as support to Best Education Service Delivery for All (BESDA) and provision of structures at Teachers Professional Training Centres in Agaie and Nassarawa–Kainji. We will continue to work with Development Partners and the Tertiary Education Trust Fund for value addition to the quality of tertiary education in the state.
Health
56. The sum of N6,215,326,020.00 has been earmarked to the health sector for the renovation of some rural health facilities and general hospitals in the State. Out of this amount, the sum of N1,139,388,564.00 is for the re-modeling, purchase and installation of equipment for and Kontagora General Hospital. The sum of N100Million is allocated to IBB Specialized Hospital Minna for its expansion and procurement of modern medical equipment. Similarly, the College of Nursing Sciences in Minna, Bida, Kontagora and Tungan Magajiya will get additional facilities and welfare support.

Social Development, Youths and Sports
57. On youth development, the State government will train 250 youths on Change Youth Skills Acquisition Programme, renovate and furnish Abdulsalam Youth Centre and construction of a male hostel at the NYSC permanent orientation camp with the sum of N200Million.
58. In view of the positive role women play in national development, our government will continue to support all initiatives that enhance the role of women and youths. In the 2020 fiscal year, we will domesticate the National Gender Policy and fully support the World Bank Assisted Programme on Women Empowerment and Livelihood Development with expected drawdown of N952, 735,800.00. Furthermore, as part of our women empowerment programme, the existing six women skills development centers in the three senatorial zones in the state will be renovated and equipped.
59. Mr. Speaker, aware that sports play vital role in the physical and mental development of individuals, we shall in 2020 pursue with vigour completion of the new Sports Complex in Minna, renovation of 123 Sports Field and modernization of the Handball Complex.
Information
60. In the 21st century governance, media and information dissemination play vital role in all participative democracies. In this regard, the sum of over N265Million has been earmarked to this Sector. Priority areas in this sector include: strengthening of NEWSLINE Newspapers, equipping of the Government Printing Press, Purchase of radio and television equipment, Purchase of Photographic and Digital Accessories and the renovation of Information Centres in Bida, New Bussa and Katcha. This is in addition to complete overhaul of NUJ Press Centre, Minna.
Law and Justice
61. This sector has a total allocation of N1.18Billion to be used for the completion of on-gong projects in the Judiciary Sector so as to facilitate the dispensation of justice in the state. Highlight of activities here include the e-library project, construction of new and renovation of existing court buildings across the State and provision of vehicles and accommodation for Judges.
General Administration
62. The Government is committed to ensuring an effective and productive civil service through provision of adequate infrastructure. The sum of N150Million is earmarked for the renovation of both Abdulkareem Lafene and the old Secretariats. Welfare and training needs for all cadres of civil servants and payment of pension to retirees will continue. Other priorities in this area include: the completion of on-going renovation of Government House, renovation of Government Lodges, improvement of the State Fire Service, implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals Projects across sectors. In all, the Administrative Sector has a proposed allocation of N5,472,230,000.00.
63. Mr. Speaker Sir, Honourable Members and Distinguished Nigerlites, what I presented are some of the features of the 2020 Budget estimates, details will be provided by the Honourable Commissioners of Finance, Budget and Planning. We will ensure meticulous implementation and monitoring of the Budget so as to meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people. It is therefore mandatory for MDAs to render progress reports of their activities to the Niger State Planning Commission and the Office of the Secretary to the State Government on monthly basis.
Conclusion
64. Finally, Mr. Speaker and Honourable Members, I wish to thank you all for your unflinching support in the onerous task of governance. I sincerely hope that we will only aim for the best and place our corporate interest above individual expectations.
65. I hereby wish to lay the 2020 Budget of Inclusion for Sustainable Development of N148, 211,929,549.82 made up of recurrent expenditure of N69, 968,379,598 and capital expenditure outlay of N78, 243,549,951.32 to the Honourable House for Legislative Scrutiny.
I thank you all.