"Governor Bago: From 'His Excellency' to 'Farmer Governor' - A Thrilling Transformation Towards a Sustainable Niger"

Governor Bago's "Farmer Governor" Title Reflects Commitment to Agriculture

In a surprising yet highly symbolic move, Governor Bago of Niger State has dropped the traditional "His Excellency" title for the more relatable and accessible moniker of "Farmer Governor." This change in title, announced during the presentation of the 2024 budget to the state House of Assembly, aims to underscore the government's priority on agriculture and its commitment to transforming the state's economic landscape.

Rt Umaru Bago, the latest Farmer Governor, is widely regarded as a determined and focused leader who is dedicated to achieving his objectives for Niger State. With a wealth of innovative ideas to reshape existing modes of operation and unleash new opportunities for economic growth, Governor Bago has been a vocal advocate for agricultural development ever since assuming office. He firmly believes that Niger State, with its vast agrarian resources, holds the potential to emerge as a leading landmark of prosperity within the country.

The choice to adopt the title of Farmer Governor should come as no surprise to the general public, given Governor Bago's consistent emphasis on agricultural issues. His ideology of "USE WHAT YOU HAVE AND GET WHAT YOU NEED" aligns with his vision of harnessing the state's land and natural resources wisely to drive economic transformation. To bring about this development and prosperity, Governor Bago calls for the unwavering support of the people of Niger State.

It is crucial to clarify that the change in title has been misconstrued by some detractors. Governor Bago did not impose a ban on civil servants wearing traditional attire such as Babbanriga, Agbada, and Kaftans. Rather, his message was simple – those working in the field or on farms should dress smartly in attire that facilitates their work. This emphasis on practicality underscores the Governor's commitment to the new and sustainable development of Niger State.

To demonstrate his personal commitment to this cause, Governor Bago made a striking fashion statement during the budget presentation by donning a t-shirt and trousers. This attire choice, however, should not be misconstrued as an official dress code for civil servants. Governor Bago remains focused on driving the state toward minimum standards of development and ensuring that Niger State successfully keeps pace with other progressive regions across the globe.

In Governor Bago's vision, the transformation of Niger State into an economic powerhouse relies on leveraging its agricultural potential and the wise utilization of its natural resources. As the "Farmer Governor," he embodies the determination to pursue this vision, breaking conventional barriers and pushing for a new chapter of growth and prosperity. In supporting Governor Bago's cause, the people of Niger State can invest in their own future and contribute to shaping a brighter tomorrow for all.

During the budget presentation, Farmer Governor had an innovative idea to convert the state's Trade Fair Complex into a multipurpose complex for sports and recreation. With a stroke of brilliance, he decided to rename it as the Bola Tinubu Square (BTS). This change not only adds a touch of grandeur to the facility but also pays homage to a respected figure in Nigerian politics, leader and President of Nigeria, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

The following is a breakdown of the budget presentation and Niger State journey so far of Farmer Governor, Bago Leads Administration;

》#NewNiger - 2024 Budget Presentation By 'Farmer Governor':

"We are at a threshold of evolving a NEW and SUSTAINABLE NIGER. This calls for cooperation and understanding of all. In the first quarter of 2024, we will launch our long-term, medium-term and all our sectoral plans.

To achieve our vision, sustainability will be main-streamed into all our plans, particularly through our green economy initiative. All hands, therefore, must be on deck to ensure we succeed, and on this note, I have the honour and privilege to present to the 10th Niger State Assembly the 2024 Appropriation of 613,274,801,698.00 for legislative scrutiny and speedy passage".

》#NewNiger - THE BUDGET OF FUTURE

The 2024 Revenue Profile

A total sum of N613, 274,081,698.17 has been proposed for the 2024 fiscal year.

The proposal is made up of N149,217,969,152.00 representing 24.33% as recurrent expenditure and N464,056,832,546.60 or 75.67% of the total budget size as capital estimate.

The budget is to be financed through Recurrent Revenue of N298,052,655,520.00 made up of:

1. Statutory Allocation - N155,963,711,064.00

2. Value Added Tax -N50,644,000,750.00

3. Internally Generated Revenue – N61,868,620,968.35

4. Excess Crude/Other Revenue –N9,576,322,737.00

5. SURE-P Refund -N20,000,000,000.00

Total: N298,052,655,520.00

The Budget is also to be financed by Capital Receipts of N315,322,146,178.00 which is made up of N256,459,074,825.00 and N58,763,071,353.00 as loans and grants respectively.

The Proposed 2024 Budget is based on the Economic and Fiscal Update (EFU), Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) and Budget Statement (BPS) 2024 - 2026 as passed by this Honourable Assembly.

The Budget will therefore be based on the following assumptions:

1. Expected N5.1billion monthly Internally Generated Revenue collection

2. Abolition of “generate and “utilize by all MDAs

3. Implementation of the State and Local Governments Harmonized Revenue Law

4. Automation of IGR Collection to block leakages

5. Introduction of 5% contract processing fees, entertainment on Hotels and Resorts among others.

6. A proposed Exchange Rate of N750 per USD

7. A projected National Inflation rate of 21.40% and GDP Growth rate of 3.78%

8. Crude oil price benchmark of US$65 and production benchmark of 1.60 million barrels/day

9. Expected Capital Receipt Inflow of N315,322,146,178.00

》NewNiger - The Journey So Far

1. The Groundbreaking of urban renewal projects in Minna and the Ring Road Project in Bida

2. Payment of 20% subsidy on 100 No trucks of fertilizers

3. Payment of counter-parts arrears to Donor Supported Projects in the State (such as ATAPS, NG-CARES, Value Chain Development, FADAMA, AGILE, Acresal Projects and others.)

4. Support to dry season farmers for the cultivation of 4,000 hectares of land

5. Procurement of 200 units of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) Buses for ease of transportation

6. Repairs and fixing of 33no existing NSTA buses

7. Payment of N3.5Billion compensation on Minna – Bida Road

8. Repairs of Dr Abubakar Imam Kagara International Airport Minna

9. Hosting of the 1st Niger State Green Economy Summit to harness the green assets for the desired prosperity in the State.

10. Settlement of N600Million debt owed the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC)

11. Secured approval for the Establishment of the Niger State University of Education to increase access to tertiary education and scholarship

12. Payment of outstanding debts to WAEC and NECO

13. Conversion of Shiroro Hotel into IBBU Teaching Hospital(IBBUTH)

14. Procurement of more Equipment for IBB Specialist Hospital

15. Placement of Medical Students on Salary Grade Level 10