The Niger State Government of Umaru Mohammed Bago has budgeted over N16 million for “Planting of Ornamental Trees” on the campus of Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University (IBBU), Lapai, a school battling ages of decay infrastructure, insufficient hostel accommodation and inadequate lecture theatres among other numerous challenges.
The sixteen million, thirty-two thousand eight hundred- and twelve-naira fifty kobo (N16,032,812.50) is placed under “schools’ infrastructure construction and rehabilitation” in the state 2024 budget.
However, the North-central state’s 2024 budget also made provision of over N40 million for the “maintenance of trees in Kaliko Bosso Dam and Bonu forest reserves” and another N20 million for “planting of 50 fruit trees in 30 schools” in the three senatorial zones of the state.
SaharaReporters also learnt that N20 million was budgeted for the planting and maintenance of trees in the urban cities of Bida, Kontagora, Suleja and Minna.
When put together, it shows that more than N96 million had been budgeted for the projects in the 2024 budget of the state.
However, the decay state of infrastructure in Nigerian universities is a pressing issue that significantly hampers the quality of education and student experience. Many institutions in Nigeria suffer from dilapidated buildings, inadequate classrooms, outdated laboratories, and insufficient accommodation facilities.
In December 2023, Governor Mohammed Bago approved a budget of N613.2 billion for 2024 fiscal year, focusing primarily on agriculture, food security, urban renewal, rural transformation, and the security of lives and property.
Governor Bago described the 2024 budget as themed ‘The Budget of the Future’, emphasising a substantial allocation of N464 billion, which constitutes 75.67% of the total budget, for capital expenditures. These funds are aimed at addressing critical and priority sectors comprehensively.
Additionally, priority areas highlighted by the governor include infrastructural development, education, health, water and sanitation, support for women, children, environmental sustainability, and care for people with special needs and the elderly.
During his presentation at the Niger State House of Assembly, Governor Bago stressed that the 2024 budget represents the comprehensive vision of his administration to establish a new and sustainable Niger State, abundant with opportunities for all.
The budget breakdown shows N149.2 billion allocated for recurrent expenditure, making up 24.33% of the total budget, while N464.1 billion is earmarked for capital projects.