Niger PDP urges Gov Bago to give account of state’s share of N570b, N1.3tr

The Niger State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, have called on Governor Mohammed Umar Bago to make public what accrued to the state from the Federal Government out of the N570 billion and N1.3 trillion shared among the 36 states.

The party in a statement issued by its State Vice Chairman and Zonal Chairman, Niger North, Zone ‘C of the PDP, Yahaya Abdullahi Ability, in Minna said, there is need for accountability and transparency in governance in the state.

He alleged that recently the Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, on a television programme claimed that his state alone got about N57 billion from the money shared to states.

According to him: “Apart from the N570 billion received from Federal Government by the 36 states governors in Nigeria, on 8th August 2024, Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State revealed on television that the Federal Government shared about N1.3 trillion to the 36 states governors in which Nasarawa State got N57 billion. Dear Governor Umar Mohammed Bago of Niger State, where is Niger State’s share of the 1.3 trillion Naira?

” We want Governor Mohammed Umar Bago to give public account of how much Niger State received and where was the funds injected into as the state is wallowing in deep poverty, unemployment, decayed infrastructure, insecurity, and unconcerned about the welfare and wellbeing of the citizens.

“Niger State, with its rich resources and strategic position, received a significant portion of this federal allocation and I urged for public scrutiny on how the state resources are being managed by the present administration, ” he insisted.

Ability noted that lack of visible progress has fueled growing dissatisfaction and disillusionment with the current administration in the state despite the huge amount of money received from the federation account consistently.

The statement added: ” We advised that as we approach the 2027 elections the people of Niger State must make their voices heard. The ruling APC government has had ample time and resources to transform the state, yet the people have little to show for it.”

However, the Special Adviser on Print Media to Governor Bago, Aisha Wakaso, in a statement debunked the claims saying: “The administration of Governor Umar Mohammed Bago has reaffirmed its commitment to the efficient and transparent utilization of public funds.”

The governor’s aide explained that the administration has embarked on significant sectoral developmental projects aimed at improving the quality of life for all citizens of state in the last one year.