2027 budget: Niger to prioritise grassroots needs, boost IGR – Commissioner

Mr. Mustapha Ndajowo, Niger Commissioner for Planning Commission, has assured the state government’s willingness to continue to explore all available opportunities to address the needs of the people at the grassroots.

The commissioner stated this during the Zone ‘B’ Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum on the 2027 budget preparation, held at Paiko, Paikoro Local Government Area of the state.

News men reports that participants included stakeholders from Paikoro, Bosso, Shiroro, Munya, Rafi, and Chanchaga Local Government Areas under the Niger East Senatorial District.

Ndajowo, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Planning Commission, Hajiya A’isha Usman, assured that government would explore all available opportunities to address the needs of the people through its short, medium, and long-term development plans.

The commissioner observed that the government was yet to fully meet the expectations of the people due to developmental challenges, insecurity, and limited resources.

He said in spite of the challenges, the state government would not relent in its efforts to get closer to the people.

Ndajowo explained that the stakeholders’ engagement, in collaboration with the Ministry for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, was aimed at gathering the priority needs and aspirations of the people, especially at the grassroots, to form an effective 2027 budget.

He noted that the initiative, since its inception, had helped the government to focus its developmental efforts on communities by providing basic infrastructure and social security programmes with multi-dimensional impacts.

The commissioner urged stakeholders to actively participate by expressing their views and opinions for the progress of the state.

Ndajowo also called on both state and local governments to improve their revenue generation by effectively harnessing their potential to avoid overdependence on federal allocations and to enhance budget implementation.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, ministry for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Alhaji Abubakar Aliyu, said the gathering would ensure prudent financial management and provide a desired future for the people.

Also speaking, the Chairman of Paikoro local government council, Alhaji Aminu Yandayi, applauded the state government for the engagement.

He said the meeting served as a link between the people and the government to gather valuable information that would reflect the needs and aspirations of the people for inclusion in the budget document.

The Chairman of Chanchaga local government area, Dr. Mustapha Alheri, also commended the budget process, saying the council would leverage technology to improve revenue generation and block leakages.

In their sperate remarks, Zubairu Ismail, member representing Rafi State Constituency, Umar Isah, Director of Budget in the Planning Commission, and Usman Jemaku, Director of Planning at the ministry for local government and chieftaincy affairs, called for realistic budget and revenue projections for the 2027 budget.

They highlighted the half-year 2026 budget performance in Paikoro, Bosso, Shiroro, Munya, Rafi, and Chanchaga LGAs for transparency and accountability.

The stakeholders emphasised the need for increased Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to effectively implement projects.