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 on Tuesday during plenary following the Assembly’s resumption from 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.
He said such cooperation, when guided by constitutional responsibilities and mutual respect, would ultimately benefit 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.
Ismail thanked the governor for his foresight, generosity and commitment to strengthening the capacity of the legislature.
He also commended the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Abdulmalik Sarkindaji, for what he described as visionary leadership and support for initiatives aimed at improving the effectiveness and professionalism of the Assembly.
The lawmaker assured that the knowledge and experience gained from the China visit would be put to productive use in the state’s appropriation process.
“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,” he said.
