The Niger Government has approved N46.2 billion as 2016 appropriation bill for its 25 area councils.
Alhaji Kabir Abbas, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing newsmen in Minna.
He attributed the delay in the budget to the various transition of leadership that happened in the councils before the election of chairmen and councillors.
He said “the late presentation of the 2016 local government budget was because of transition of leadership from the past administration to the present.
“The change in leadership of caretaker of the past administration to director of personnel management to caretaker again before the election of local government chairmen.
“When the budget was to be presented, the local government chairmen and the emirate councils requested for time to make contributions, which led to delay up until now.”
Abbas said that the appropriation bill would be presented to the state Assembly for deliberation and passage.
Similarly, Hajiya Rahmatu Yar’adua, the Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Investment, said that the state would partner with genuine investors to
develop the Minna City Centre.
He said “it is an open invitation to prospective investors like Shoprite, Sahad stores and some eateries like Rashida with business ideas to come for discussion with government.
“They are expected to acquire the land, develop it and create jobs for the teeming youths.”
NAN
