By Aideloje Ojo
Minna
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger state on Thursday signed into law the 2025 appropriation bill of over N1.558trillion.
The Governor also signed in to law the state electricity bill otherwise known as the power sector billpassed by the state House of Assembly.
The Farmer Governor Umaru Bago performed the statutory duty a few hours after the State Assembly had passed the budget within a week
In his remarks, Farmer Governor Umaru Bago commended the efforts of the Legislators for the expeditious scrutiny and passage of the bill, describing it as unprecedented, adding that the leadership of the 10th State Assembly has indeed set a pace for the entire nation.
He said, ” our administration is committed to strengthening the existing synergy with the legislative arm of government. I therefore enjoined legislators to invoke the instrument of oversight, to ensure the Executive arm comply with the budget”.
While ascenting to the electricity bill cited as “The Niger State Power Sector Law 2024”, The Governor said it takes effect from 19th December 2024.
He said, “The law is to provide for the establishment of “Niger State Electricity Regulatory Commission, Niger State Electricity Company, Niger State Electricity Agency and other purposes connected therewith”.
He explained that the Law covers electricity dealings within the State of any person with or in relation to electricity generation, transmission, trading,
electric power exchange dealings, distribution, retail supply system Operation,
Others are the state electricity market, electrification of rural underserved and unserved communities and related aspects of the intra-state electricity business.
Earlier, the Speaker Niger State House of Assembly, Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji explained that the State Assembly commenced budget screening about 3 months ago.
He said the quick passage was achieved due to the outstanding performance of the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Mustapha Ndajiwo.
