 in Niger State has criticized the state government over the recent approval of a ₦70 billion bond by the Niger State House of Assembly, intended to finance infrastructure projects.){kind=link}
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Niger State has criticized the state government over the recent approval of a ₦70 billion bond by the Niger State House of Assembly, intended to finance infrastructure projects.
The party described the decision as a clear case of fiscal recklessness and a lack of concern for the hardships faced by citizens.
Yahaya Abdullahi Ability, the PDP’s State Vice Chairman and Zonal Chairman for Niger North, condemned the move, calling it “a clear example of the government’s disregard for the welfare of the people.”
He pointed out that despite the state’s poor budget execution and mounting debts, the government continues to borrow without delivering significant developmental results.
It is worth recalling that the Niger State House of Assembly had earlier granted Governor Mohammed Umar Bago’s request for the ₦70 billion bond issuance to fund infrastructure initiatives across the state.
Before the approval, Aliyu Sheshi Wushishi, Chairman of the House Standing Committee on Finance and representative of Wushishi Constituency, informed his colleagues that his committee conducted a thorough review and consulted with stakeholders. He explained that the request was part of a planned ₦100 billion NCNI Private Bond Issuance spread over 10 years.
Despite this, Ability questioned the necessity of additional borrowing, emphasizing that the state’s infrastructure challenges demand careful management of existing resources rather than taking on more debt.
He urged Governor Bago to “prioritize responsible governance, accountability, and transparency in the management of state funds.”
Ability further called on the government to focus on meeting the urgent needs of the people instead of plunging the state deeper into debt.