China visit boosts Niger Assembly’s budget capacity, fiscal management, says Appropriation Committee

The Niger State House of Assembly has described its recent visit to China as a rewarding experience that has strengthened the lawmakers’ capacity for modern budget preparation and fiscal management.

The chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Hon Zubairu Ismail, disclosed this to newsmen shortly after the House reconvened from its one-month recess.

Ismail said the visit exposed members of the committee to contemporary approaches to budget preparation, resource allocation, fiscal management and budget implementation.

He added that the lawmakers also gained knowledge on mechanisms for ensuring value for money in public spending.

The committee chairman commended Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago for approving the visit, saying the gesture demonstrated the importance of cooperation between the executive and legislative arms of government.

According to him, the governor’s approval of “this important visit to China” further demonstrates the strength of relationship between the executive and the legislative arm, stressing that “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 added.

He thanked the governor for his foresight, generosity and commitment towards strengthening legislative capacity.

He equally commended the Speaker, Rt Hon Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, for his visionary leadership and for his support for all the initiatives that have the potential of enhancing the effectiveness and professionalism of the House.

Hon Zubairu therefore assured that the knowledge and the experience acquired during the visit will be put to productive use, adding that “we will not rest on our oars until we ensure that the appropriation process is transformed into a process that promotes fiscal responsibility, prudent management of public resources, transparency, accountability and above all, value for money for our people”.