By Suleiman Yakubu

Niger State Governor, Mohammed Umaru Bago, has expressed profound sadness over the tragic boat mishap that occurred on the River Niger upstream of the Jebba Dam at Gbajibo Community in Mokwa Local Government Area. The incident claimed the lives of many, including women and children.
In a condolence message delivered by his Chief Press Secretary, Bologi Ibrahim, Governor Bago described the incident as both unfortunate and disheartening. He highlighted the recurring nature of such mishaps in the state over recent years, expressing deep concern and emphasising the government's commitment to enforcing stricter safety measures to prevent future occurrences.
Governor Bago extended his heartfelt sympathies to the leadership and residents of Mokwa Local Government Area, and he commiserated with the families of the victims. He prayed for Allah to repose the souls of the departed, provide comfort to the bereaved, and grant a swift recovery to those injured.
The mishap involved a boat carrying approximately 300 people, predominantly women and children, who were travelling from Mundi Community for a Maulud celebration. The boat capsized on the River Niger upstream of the Jebba Dam at Gbajibo Community.
The Niger State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA), in collaboration with relevant MDAs, local divers, and volunteers, is actively conducting search and rescue operations. So far, about 150 people have been rescued alive, while 16 bodies have been recovered.

By Suleiman Yakubu

Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger State has submitted the 2024 Supplementary Budget to the Niger State House of Assembly, totalling approximately N213,737,470,338.00. This budget includes provisions for the new N70,000 National Minimum Wage for civil servants.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Barr. Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, announced that the governor forwarded this budget along with three other correspondences to the legislators, which were read during the plenary session of the House.
The Speaker emphasised the importance of the proposed 2024 Supplementary Budget, highlighting its potential to stimulate economic activities in the state due to the anticipated increase in funds. He stated that the budget would be considered by the House and subsequently passed into law.
The recurrent expenditure is set at N36,859,819,029.12, while the capital expenditure stands at N176,877,651,108.88.
In addition to the supplementary budget, the House also received the 2024 proposed revised budget, submitted by Governor Bago for review and approval. The governor highlighted the necessity of revising the budget to align with current economic conditions, citing factors such as the removal of fuel subsidies, inflation, and the devaluation of the naira. The revised budget aims to support the government's development initiatives and provide essential social services to the citizens.
Furthermore, Governor Bago submitted the Medium Term Expenditure Framework and Fiscal Strategy Paper (MTEF and FSP) 2025-2027 for the House's deliberation and approval, in accordance with the State Fiscal Responsibility Law (FRL) 2010 Section 13(i) b.
Additionally, the governor nominated Alh. Ahmed Abubakar for the position of Auditor-General for Niger State, subject to the House's screening and confirmation process.