Niger State Governorship candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ,Dr. Mohammed Kpautagi, has decried the increasing debt burden of over ₦1.5 trillion local and foreign debt by governor Umar Bago from 2023 to date
Kpautagi who was reacting to another recent approval of $14.4 million, over ₦ 20 Billion granted by the Niger State House of Assembly for the state as a food security financing facility.
He said though investing in the Agricultural sector is very important for the people of the state to strengthen the food security,notwithstanding people of the state deserve explanation on the economic position of the state.
Dr. Kpautagi stated that the people of Niger State deserves clear and comprehensive explanations regarding the necessity of additional borrowing while the state is receiving substantial monthly federal allocations, in addition to increased internally generated revenue,along with that of local government councils in the state.
According to him, responsible government need to inculcate transparency, accountability, and be prudent with the available resources before requesting for additional debt on the state and future generations.
Dr. Kpautagi further noted that security remains one of the most pressing challenges facing Niger State, also decried the Banditry attacks of various communities, the constant kidnappings, and other forms of criminal activities across the state is alarming forcing the people to abandon their ancestral homes.
The Governorship Candidate stressed that agriculture is a critical sector for economic growth, and sustainable food sufficiency can be realised in an environment where farmers are safe and able to access their farmlands without fear.
" My first priority as the governor of Niger State is to collaborate with security agencies within and outside through the support of the federal government to finally put a stop to insecurity threatening farming activities across the state'.
The ADC governorship candidate pointed out that communities in the state are still facing inadequate health facilities,adding that provision of infrastructures on health and Education will be prioritised to improve health care services and give education a new direction.
He expressed optimism that rural development shall be one of his major target to reinvigorate economic growth and to discourage rural urban migration thereby boosting economic opportunities.
According to him, it is mandatory for a leader to explain how state resources are expended, emphasizing that citizens have legitimate right to demand explanations on how public resources have been utilised, public have the right to know how much a contract is awarded to earn public trust.
Dr. Kpautagi emphasized that borrowing is not inherently wrong,but should be guided by a sound economic strategy, transparency, accountability, instead of putting the state in a bankruptcy circumstance.
Also reacting on the widespread condemnations by the public on the fresh loan by the government,the speaker of the state house of assembly,Barr Abdulmalik Sarkin Daji, said it is false and misleading.
" The government only stands as a guarantor for Niger food security systems and logistics, through the United Bank for Africa,UBA to access financing under the Saudi Exim line credit for the support of its operations."
To Buttress his statement," the Speaker further explained that, the state government has the constitutional power to seek loans through the state assembly provided such facilities are required for the development of the state"
