Niger State House of Assembly Approves the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF)
By Yahaya Zakka Minna
The Niger State House of Assembly has considered and approved the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) for 2026–2028. This approval followed the presentation of the Report of the House Standing Committee on Appropriation by its Chairman, Hon. Zubairu Ismaila Zanna, Member representing Rafi State Constituency, during today’s plenary session.
While presenting the report, Hon. Ismaila explained that the Committee met and engaged with key stakeholders—including the Niger State Planning Commission, Ministry of Finance, and Niger State Internal Revenue Service—to gather their input. He added that a thorough review of the MTEF document, along with contributions from Honourable Members, formed the basis of the final recommendations.
Hon. Ismaila described the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Expenditure Framework as a multi-year financial plan that outlines the state’s fiscal policy objectives, fiscal targets, revenue projections, total expenditure limits, and the overall budget direction for the next three years.
Key Components of the 2026–2028 MTEF
1. Economic and Fiscal Update (EFU):
Provides vital economic and fiscal analysis to guide the State’s budget planning process.
2. Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) and Budget Policy Statement (BPS):
Define the resources available for government programs and projects, ensuring sustainable fiscal operations.
The MTEF document submitted to the House presented the 2026–2028 Medium-Term Fiscal and Expenditure Frameworks in full.
*Key Fiscal Targets Highlighted by Hon. Zubairu Ismaila*
Effectively manage personnel and overhead costs to free up more funds for capital development.
Increase Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by 61% in 2026, 10% in 2027, and 20% in 2028.
Ensure that loans are used strictly for capital projects.
Aim for a long-term goal where all recurrent expenditure is fully funded through recurrent revenue such as IGR, VAT, and non-mineral components of statutory allocations.
Explore additional sources of capital and funding beyond loans, including grants and Public-Private Partnerships (PPP).
Ensure projected capital receipts are based on signed Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with development partners.
Grow the State’s economy through targeted spending in areas of comparative advantage.
Align all government projects and programs with the New Niger Agenda.
The Committee noted that the rise in recurrent revenue is mainly due to increased revenue from the non-oil sector, as well as earnings from excess crude and other sources. The MTEF projections were therefore based on current economic realities.
Following the presentation, the House unanimously approved the 2026–2028 EFU, FSP, and BPS as proposed.
*House Passes Bill to Establish Niger State Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery*
The House has passed into law a Private Member Bill to establish the Niger State Colleges of Nursing and Midwifery and for Other Connected Matters, 2025. The Bill was sponsored by Hon. Murtala Adamu Badaru, Member representing Suleja Constituency.
This followed the presentation of the Report of the Joint Committee on Education, Science and Technology; Health, Nutrition and Primary Healthcare; and Judiciary and Legal Matters, delivered by the Committee Chairman, Hon. Muhammad Sani Idris, Member representing Tafa Constituency.
Hon. Idris informed the House that the Committee held a public hearing involving major stakeholders, including the Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Education, Ministry of Tertiary Education, Ministry of Secondary and Tertiary Health, Nigerian Nurses and Midwives Association, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), and the College of Nursing Sciences. The purpose was to gather expert opinions and raise public awareness about the proposed Bill.
Key Findings of the Committee
The Bill seeks to establish a unified College of Nursing Science with multiple campuses, aimed at improving operational efficiency, resource utilization, and institutional coordination.
It aims to ensure high standards of knowledge, skills, research, and facilities that meet the requirements of relevant regulatory bodies.
It will regulate, standardize, and promote quality nursing education within Niger State.
After clause-by-clause review in the Committee of the Whole, the Bill was passed into law. The Deputy Speaker, Hon. Afiniki Eunice Dauda, praised the Committee for its efforts and directed the House Clerk to transmit a clean copy of the Bill to the Executive for approval.
In the same vein, the House has received for First Reading a Private Member Bill seeking to repeal the Niger State Drugs and Hospital Consumables Management Agency Law, 2010, and to re-enact the Niger State Drugs and Hospital Consumables Management Agency and Other Matters Connected Therewith, 2025. The Bill was presented by Hon. Pharm. Mohammed Nasir Umar (Paikoro State Constituency).
