By Suleiman Yakubu

The Niger State House of Assembly has commenced discussions on the proposed budget for 2025, presented by Governor Mohammed Umar Bago during a plenary session held today in the Assembly chambers.
This session marks the beginning of critical deliberations on the 2025 Appropriation Bill, introduced by the Majority Leader, Hon. Idris Musa Vatsa, representing the Lapai constituency. The budget presentation is a vital step in the legislative process, setting the financial framework for the state’s activities in the coming year.
During the plenary session, Speaker Rt. Hon. Barr. Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji urged all lawmakers to engage actively in the budget discussions. He emphasised the importance of collaborative input from all members to ensure the budget aligns with the needs and expectations of their constituents.
Following a constructive exchange of ideas and suggestions from various members, the Speaker announced that the budget would be referred to the House Committee on Appropriation for further examination and legislative action.
Chairing the House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Ismaila Zubairu, representing the Rafi constituency, assured the Assembly and the public that the committee would conduct a thorough and meticulous review of the budget estimates. He highlighted the committee’s commitment to transparency and accountability, stressing that they would carefully analyse all proposed expenditures to ensure they align with the state’s priorities.
Furthermore, the Speaker reiterated the 10th Legislature’s dedication to ensuring that a significant portion of the budget is allocated to essential sectors. He underscored the focus on infrastructural development as a key component of the budget, aimed at improving the socio-economic well-being of the people in Niger State. The speaker conveyed optimism that strategic investment in infrastructure would lead to positive outcomes, including job creation and enhanced living standards for the citizens.
As the House continues its deliberations on the 2025 budget, stakeholders and residents of Niger State are encouraged to stay informed about the progress and provide their input for a budget that truly reflects the needs of the community.

By Suleiman Yakubu

The Niger State Police Command has arrested over 713 suspects for major crimes in the outgoing year 2024. This was disclosed by the state Commissioner of Police, CP Shawulu Ebenezer Danmamman, during a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Minna, marking the end-of-year activities and achievements of the command.
CP Danmamman highlighted that the arrests covered a range of serious offenses, including culpable homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, rape, car theft, and unlawful possession of firearms. Out of the 713 suspects, 680 have been charged to court and prosecuted, while the remaining suspects are under investigation and awaiting trial.
The commissioner also revealed that 37 kidnapped victims were rescued by the police at various locations throughout the year. Additionally, a significant number of exhibits were recovered from suspects, including arms, ammunition, and vehicles.
Among the recovered items were AK-47 rifles, four locally made AK-47 rifles, 16 automatic pump-action rifles, one English Barrett’s pistol, and nine locally made revolver guns and pistols. Other recovered exhibits included two locally made Barrett’s pistols, five locally made pistols, 1,205 rounds of 7.62 mm ammunition, 295 rounds of ammunition recovered from Tafa, and 12 categories of vehicles.
CP Danmamman commended the efforts of the officers and men of the command for their dedication and commitment to maintaining law and order in the state.