Niger State House of Assembly had a busy day Wednesday, passing five bills into law and sending them to Governor Umaru Mohammad Bago for an accent.
Among the bills signed into law was one to amend the Niger State Tax Administration and consolidation law.
The bill, introduced by the majority leader, Hon. Idris Musa Vatsa (Lapai), and seconded by the minority leader, Hon. Andrew Doma (Shiroro), was passed to improve tax collection in the state and increase revenue generation.
Other bills introduced by the majority leader and passed into law included "a bill for a law to establish the Niger State Investment Promotion Agency and for other matters connected therewith."
The bill for "a law to provide for the establishment of the public-private partnership agency and other matters related to 2023" was also passed.
Similarly, a bill amending the Niger State University of Education Law, 2013, and other related matters, was passed after its third reading.
The house also heard a report on planning and appropriation from its chairman, Hon. Zubairu Ismaila (Rafi), on the 2024 budget estimate.
Following extensive deliberation, Governor Bago's initial budget of N613, 274, 884, and 697.00 was increased to N613, 994, 801, and 697.00, a N720 million increase.
The House has since gone on recess and will resume on February 6, 2024.
The Speaker of the 10th Legislative Assembly, Hon Abdulmalik Sarkindaji (Mariga), represented by his deputy, Hon Afiniki Eunice Dauda, commended the members for giving their best towards ensuring the quick passage of the 2024 budget.