GOV ABUBAKAR SANI BELLO OF NIGER STATE SIGNS INTO LAW 2022 APPROPRIATION BILL AS PASSED BY THE STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY.

Niger state Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has signed over N211billion 2022 appropriation bill passed by the state Assembly into law. 

Governor Sani Bello signed the bill at the Council chamber of the government house, Minna shortly before the commencement of the weekly executive council meeting. 

The Governor who appreciated the efforts of the lawmakers in passing the bill in record time, maintained that his administration has being enjoying cordial relationship with the Legislative arm of government.  

The Governor commended the doggedness of the lawmakers in ensuring that the right thing is done always, adding that their insistence in most cases have been of help to his administration. 

" I have seen reasons in their stubbornness sometimes and I must confess I really appreciate it because most times they are right and that is how it should be. So when we have our differences we come back and we reconcil", he said 

He said his administration is poised to fund the budget completely as it is the last full budget to be implemented by the present administration,stressing that the Board of Internal Revenue is also determined to improve the state Internally Generated Revenue in addition to the other sources of revenue to the state.  

"On our part, we will try and see that we implement the budget but of course it is subject to availability of funds. As we are all aware the budget is just a statement, we hope that we are able to fund it100% ", he said. 

In his remarks, the Speaker Niger State House of Assembly, Abdullahi Bawa, said the responses from various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) were encouraging during the budget screening process. 

The Speaker however said the budget was adjusted to Carter for some MDAs that were hitherto not captured properly. 

He assured that the State Assembly will through its oversight functions, ensure full implementation of the budget. 

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello had on the 4th of November, 2021presented a budget size of over N198 billion  with the Capital expenditure of N124 billion while recurrent expenditure was at N74 billion.  

The bill was however passed by the State Assembly on the 22nd of December, 2021 with an increase of N13billion. 

The capital size of the budget signed is N131 billion representing 62% while recurrent budget size is now N80 billion representing 38%. 

BOAT MISHAP, GOV SANI BELLO COMMISERATES WITH COMMUNITY, SAYS ITS AN ACT OF GOD.

BOAT MISHAP, GOV SANI BELLO COMMISERATES WITH COMMUNITY, SAYS ITS AN ACT OF GOD.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello is saddened by the boat mishap in Zhigiri Village of Shiroro local government that claimed seven lives.

Governor Sani Bello in a statement by his chief press Secretary, Mary Noel-Berje described the incident as painful and unfortunate.  

The Governor who observed that travelling around the community was hitherto by land as the terrain was dry and motorable pointed out that the construction of the Zungeru Dam has forced the residents of the affected communities to adopt water transportation.

He therefore called on the Hydro Power Producing Area Development Commission (HYPPADEC) to as a matter of urgency, provide safety precautions such as live jackets, sensitization of affected community members on water transportation among others to safeguard lives. 

Governor Sani Bello, who acknowledged that the Zungeru Dam was to boost power generation in the country, said the people living in communities around the Dam must be protected.

The Governor then assured that the state government will not leave any stone unturned in ensuring that all necessary measures are in place to prevent reoccurrence.

He commiserated with the families of the victims and prayed Allah to forgive their shortcomings and grant them Aljanna Firdausi. 

"I am really sad with the unfortunate boat mishap, measures need to be put in place to really avoid reoccurrence. It is good to have the Dam, it is also important to protect the people living around the Dam.

"My  prayers are with the family members of the victims, I urge them to accept the incident as an act of Allah", he said.

It would be recalled that seven villagers recently lost their lives in Zhigiri village, Shiroro local government area while heading to Dnaweto, a neighbouring village, for a naming ceremony.

NIGER STATE GOVERNMENT DEMOLISHES STRUCTURES IN MTP 45 AFTER COURT RULLING BY Abubakar Hassan

  

MINNA INDUSTRIAL LAYOUT: DEMOLITION EXERCISE NOT TO WITCH-HUNT ANYONE BUT EFFECT COURT RULING -COMMISSIONER By: Abubakar Hassan

Niger State Commissioner for lands and housing, Barr. Mukhtar Ibrahim Nasale has said that the three days demolition exercise carried out on a segment of Minna Industrial Layout, code named MTP 54 was done to effect the Appeal Court judgement and not to witch-hunt anyone.

The Commissioner made this clarification while addressing Journalists on Sunday, at the conference room of Niger State Urban Development Board, old Secretariat, Minna.

He said the land in question was acquired by the state government in 1984 for industrial purposes, with the aim of addressing the industrial needs of the state which will cover all forms of industrial and economic activities in the state, and that compensation was fully paid to the natives who owned the land.

Barr. Nasale explained that all lands belongs to the government and government has the right to acquire any land for the benefit of the people, but that there are processes to be followed such as identifying the land, meeting with the owners and explaining the reason for the acquisition as well as to pay them compensation, saying that the state government had followed all the processes as regards to MTP 54.

He disclosed that the state government after acquiring the land designed it and provided some infrastructures there, such as electricity, road network and allocated the place to interested persons who wants to develop it for industrial purposes, and that those allocated the place had even started construction on it before one of the original owners of the land went to court claiming that he was not compensated for his portion of the land.

The Commissioner said they have all documents backing the compensation including those who collected the money on behalf of each of the families who owned the entire MTP 54 land, but that the court still ruled against the government.

He said although they had reservation on the ruling but as law abiding government they decided to follow it up through legal process and as such appealed the judgement of the High Court in Minna, with stay of execution on the land in question and won the appeal recently.

He explained that in a normal circumstance when a land is under litigation no one deals on it until it has been resolved but that the natives went ahead and sold the land to people despite efforts of his ministry to enlighten the public through various means, on the status of the land in question.

Barr Nasale added that they won the appeal and the demolition exercise was in compliance with the court judgement, and that even without the court injunction the state has the right to stop any work which has no development permit, as according to the law, one must have an approval from the Urban Development Board before erecting any structure on his land.

He also disclosed that those given tittles of the land when it was converted to residential area in 2004 were allocated alternative land when it was reverted back to industrial area in 2008 after revocation of the earlier residential titles, saying government had every documents backing all the dealings on the MTP 54.

The Commissioner called on the general public to conduct a legal search from the ministry of lands and the state Urban Development Board, on any property they want to acquire. "Any paper given to you, go to ministry of lands to verify it, we have information of all lands," he said.

He also stated that the demolition exercise was to restore sanity for proper development to be carried out on the MTP 54, adding that the state will soon issue out time frame for developing the place and anyone allocated the land and does not have the capacity to develop it should give way for serious developers to come in.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Abdul Hussaini and the Acting General Manager of the state Urban Development Board, Mohammed Dzuru Baba directed that after the demolition exercise those allocated the land by the state government should go and develop their lands according to specification of the industrial layout, disclosing that about 125 structures were marked and removed for not observing the development plan of the area.

NIGER APC FELICITATES WITH NIGERLITES ON CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR.

NIGER APC FELICITATES WITH NIGERLITES ON CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR. 

The All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of Hon. HALIRU ZAKARI JIKANTORO, has felicitated with Christians across the state over the joyous occasion of Christmas which celebrates the birth of Jesus Christ.

In a statement signed by the  State Publicity Secretary Musa D. Sarkinkaji stated "that the yuletide season symbolizes perseverance, faith, hope and love; these are the virtues we appeal to Nigerlites to continue to exhibit as the state and the country navigates from the economic recession towards progress and stability".

While calling on Nigerlites to offer special prayers for the peace, unity and development in the state, "the Party further urged Nigerlites across religious divides to imbibe the virtues of tolerance, honesty, fairness, selflessness and peaceful co-existence which Jesus Christ espoused and exemplified during his earthly mission".

The statement added that "the manifestation of these virtues in our national life will without doubt propel our great state into becoming a more united, peaceful and progressive one".

..."There is no doubt that the times are difficult and the Niger state is facing enormous challenges, but we assure Nigerlites that the APC-led Government is committed to enthroning the promised change, and is working hard towards the goal of true transformation and development".

"We further urge Nigerlites to continue to pray for and support the bold efforts of His Excellency, the Executive Governor of Niger State, *Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello-led* administration to resuscitate the economy, safeguard the state and instill probity in our national life".

SK then said "In this season of love and celebrations, we should all remember that with our collective prayers, unity and diligence, the goal of a prosperous, secured and stable nation is possible. And it is our prayer and wish that the New Year shall usher in economic growth, security and peace for all".

The publicity secretary then said "Once again, the Party congratulates all Christians on the occasion of Christmas and prays the message of Christmas fill our lives with warmth, joy and peace".

NGSG REVOKES OPERATING LICENCES OF PRIVATE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN THE STATE

NGSG REVOKES OPERATING LICENCES OF PRIVATE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN THE STATE

The Niger State Government has withdrawn/revoked approval granted to operators of all Private Tertiary Education Institutions in the state.

In a statement by Isma’ila Saba Favu,  Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Technology states that earlier a letter addressed to the  proprietors of all Private Tertiary Education Institutions in the state carried the message of the revocation. 

The statement further said the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Dr Musa Abubakar Sadeeq said "the state government is disturbed about the spate of contravention of stipulated rules and regulations governing the establishment and operations of Private Tertiary Education Institutions across the state".

The state government, through the Ministry of Tertiary Education, Science and Technology had earlier "shown its magnanimity in granting provisional approval to many of such established Institutions pending the fulfillment of all requirements. But unfortunately; instead of honouring their obligations, they chose to abuse the granted priviledge".

"In the light of the above however, the Niger State Government wishes to preserve the standard that has been set for the Tertiary level of education in the state" the statement added. 

Consequent upon that, all Tertiary Education Institutions in the state are however, required to reapply for their establishment/operation of a Tertiary Institution; to which a revised set of prerequisite condition would be attached.

The statement concluded by cautioning all operators of private Tertiary Institutions in the state to remain law abiding.

NIGER GOVT. REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO REPOSITION CIVIL SERVICE FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE

NIGER GOVT. REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO REPOSITION CIVIL SERVICE FOR OPTIMAL PERFORMANCE

Niger State Government has reaffirmed its commitment at repositioning civil service for optimal performance. 

The State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello disclosed this when he declared open the 4th Annual General Meeting of the Association of Retired Niger State Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries held at the Conference Hall of Haske Luxury Hotel, Minna.

The Governor who was represented by Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane stated that the reinvigoration of civil service by the State Government would subscribe to the goal of efficient service delivery, transparency and openness. 

Alhaji Sani Bello further revealed that the strategic responsibility of the civil service in the process of governance demonstrates why Government continued to pay attention to its development with a view to meeting the evolving challenges of the 21st century demands of governance.

The Governor urged the Association of Retired Niger State Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries to submit to Government a comprehensive and implementable plan of action on how best to revitalize and reposition the State civil service in the immediate, short and long term basis.

According to Governor Sani Bello, “the measure would afford Government to demand the best form of administrative bureaucracies in the State”

He reiterated Government’s continued commitment to take the issues of welfare of and personal development of workers as a priority through deliberate policies and programmes designed to make the State civil servants effective and productive.

Alhaji Sani Bello then commended the State civil service for continuing to serve as the engine room for the formulation and implementation of government policies and programmes and urged civil servants not to relent.

The Governor stressed that for the singular fact that the 4th AGM is focused on “Reinvigorating the State Civil Service for Attaining Sustainable Peace, Justice and Strong Institution” attest to the reality that even in retirement you are still committed to the bolstering of the State’s civil service.

He commended members of the Association for their resilience, doggedness and commitment to the development ideals of the present administration and enjoined them to sustain the tempo.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Association of Retired Niger State Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries, Alhaji Muhammad Aliyu Madugu disclosed that the level of performance and success of any Government squarely hinges on the civil service as an Institution and civil servants as the work-force of the State.

The Chairman enjoined Government to always ensure that the civil service is constantly at its optimum level in terms of performance and the civil servants are vibrant. 

For Government to achieve the reposition of civil service for optimal performance, Alhaji Aliyu Madugu suggested the following measures; restoration of core values, annual budget, insulation of the civil service and appointments of Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries among several others. 

In his welcome address, the organizing Chairman and former Head of Service in the State, Alhaji Hamidu Kadi Kuta told the Governor that the Association has about one hundred and fourty registered members. 

INSECURITY: GOVERNOR ABUBAKAR SANI BELLO VISITS COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY BANDITRY IN MASHEGU LOCAL GOVERNMENT.

INSECURITY: GOVERNOR ABUBAKAR SANI BELLO VISITS COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY BANDITRY IN MASHEGU  LOCAL GOVERNMENT. 

Following the recent banditry activities in some communities in Mashegu local government area of Niger State, Governor Abubakar Sani Bello has visited the communities with a call on the people to be vigilant and observant of the activities in their neighborhood. 

In a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Mary Noel  Barde  Gov Sani Bello explained that the visit was aimed at obtaining first hand information on the incidents to enable the government restrategize and plan on how to prevent reoccurrence. 

"I decided to come and see what has happened, get first hand information so that we can plan how to stop such things from happening going forward. It is unfortunate that people are being attacked while saying their prayers early in the morning." 

At Tugan Ba'ari, Adogon Malam and Mazakuka communities where the Governor visited respectively and interacted with the residents, his message was the same. 

He empathized with them on the situation and stressed the need for them to make peace and be on the watch out for people with questioable character amongst them. 

Governor Sani Bello further urged them to workout modalities on how to fish out bad eggs among them so as to assist the security agents in curtailing the situation pointing out that there cannot be a successful attack without an insider. 

"I understand that it is the work of bandits probably with the connivance of some locals. So I call on the community members to pay attention to their neighbours and to be very observant of what is going on around them", he said. 

The Governor then assured the people that government will not rest on it oars in evolving measures that would prevent reoccurrence, expressing optimism that the commission of inquiry he had earlier set up would do a thorough job. 

The Council Chairman of Mashegu, Alh. Alhassan Isah Mazakuka disclosed that 17 people were killed, 19 kidnapped and 8 injured at Ba'ari while praying in the mosque last week. 

Alh. Isah Mazakuka said some of the victims who sustained injury in the attack are receiving treatment at the General Hospital Kontagora while some were referred to Kebbi State for treatment. 

Also speaking, the Ward Head of Tunga Ba'ari Alh. Garba Aliyu described the incidence as horrible, explaining that their men and women were taken away by bandits. 

He called on government to empower the vigilantes more, reiterating that insecurity in the area is becoming persistent.   

Recall that Mazakuka, Adogon Malam, Kulho among other communities in Mashegu have been experiencing series of banditry attacks that led to the killing of many people in recent times, just last week, scores were feared dead, some kidnapped and some others injured at Tugan Baari while they were performing the morning prayers in the mosque. 

NIGER SSG MOURNS FORMER COAS, M.I. WUSHISHI, SAYS HE SERVED NIGERIA PASSIONATELY By Lawal Tanko

The Secretary to the Government of Niger State (SSG), Ahmed Ibrahim Matane has mourned the death of the former Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Muhammed Inuwa Wushishi. 

Gen. M.I. Wushishi died in London after a protracted illness.

In his condolence message on behalf of the people and Government of the State, the SSG described late M.I. Wushishi as a committed officer and elder statesman who served Nigeria passionately.

According to Ahmed Matane “late Gen. M.I. Wushishi was a respected officer who spent his life in the service of the state, country, and humanity, adding that his death was a great tragedy and a monumental loss not only to Niger State but Nigeria as a whole.

 “On behalf of the Government and people of the State, I want to convey my sincere and heartfelt condolences to the immediate family of the former Chief of Army Staff and the entire Nigerlites on this huge loss”, SSG disclosed.

He urged the wife and other members of the bereaved family to “take solace in the fact that all mortals shall taste death and we must answer the call of Almighty Allah at one point in time or another” while praying Almighty Allah to accept the soul of the departed, grant him eternal rest, reward him with Jannatul Firdausi and give the family the courage to bear the irreparable loss.