China visit boosted our budgeting skills, say Niger lawmakers

From John Adams, Minna

The Niger State House of Assembly has said its recent visit to China strengthened lawmakers’ capacity for budget preparation, fiscal management and oversight of public spending.

Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Zubairu Ismail, told journalists shortly after the House reconvened from its one-month recess that the visit exposed committee members to contemporary approaches to resource allocation, budget implementation and ensuring value for money.

Ismail said the knowledge acquired would help strengthen the appropriation process and promote prudent management of public resources.

He commended Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago for approving the visit, describing it as evidence of cooperation between the executive and legislature.

“When the two arms of government work together within the framework of constitutional responsibility and mutual respect, the ultimate beneficiary is the people.

“Such working relationships and cooperation strengthen democratic governance, promote accountability and create an environment in which government policies and programmes are translated into tangible development,” he said.

The committee chairman thanked Bago for his foresight and commitment to strengthening legislative capacity.

He also commended the Speaker, Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, for supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing the House’s effectiveness and professionalism.

Ismail assured residents that the committee would put the experience gained in China to productive use.

“We will not rest on our oars,” he said, pledging to strengthen the appropriation process to promote “fiscal responsibility, prudent management of public resources, transparency, accountability and above all, value for money for our people”.