Local government chairmen from Rafi, Shiroro, and Munya in Niger State have urged the state government to allocate a substantial portion of the 2025 budget—up to 90%—towards addressing the escalating insecurity in their regions. These three areas are among the most affected by insecurity in Niger State, facing frequent attacks that have resulted in numerous casualties, property destruction, and the displacement of residents.
The call for increased funding was made during a one-day stakeholders’ meeting on the preparation of the 2025 budget, held at Paiko Town Hall in Paikoro Local Government Area. Aminu Najume, the chairman of Munya Local Government Area, emphasized the urgent need for the government to prioritize security in the upcoming budget. He pointed out that the residents of these areas are predominantly farmers, and the ongoing insecurity has severely disrupted their ability to farm and produce food.
“If the government truly listens to the people’s needs, it would dedicate 90% of the 2025 budget for Shiroro Local Government Area to address insecurity,” Najume stated. He further stressed the necessity of constructing permanent camps for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to provide them with dignified living conditions, rather than relying on temporary accommodations in schools.
Akilu Ishaku Kuta, the chairman of Shiroro Local Government Area, echoed these concerns, stating that addressing insecurity should be the sole focus of the budget for his council. He highlighted that the insecurity has crippled local markets and revenue generation, as farmers are unable to bring their goods to market due to the threats posed by banditry.
“Our primary demand for this budget is the provision of tools and mechanisms to tackle the insecurity in Shiroro,” Kuta asserted. He lamented the loss of revenue opportunities, noting that the local government is rich in agricultural potential, but insecurity has made it impossible for farmers to cultivate and sell their produce.
Aliyu Usman Katako, chairman of Rafi Local Government, also emphasized that insecurity is the major challenge in his area. He warned that without peace, any plans for development would remain unrealized, as bandits continue to disrupt daily life, from farming to economic activities.
The Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Barrister Maurice Magaji, underscored the importance of the stakeholders’ meeting, stating that it allows the government to better understand the needs of the people and how the 2025 budget can address these challenges. He acknowledged the need to balance the various demands with the available resources but assured that the government is committed to addressing the issues raised.
Magaji also called for government intervention in completing the major road that links Niger State with Kaduna State, which has been abandoned due to bandit activity. He stressed that rehabilitating the road would be a significant step in combating insecurity.
Commissioner of Planning, Mustapha Ndajiwo, acknowledged that insecurity has been a significant challenge for the government, which has invested heavily in both kinetic (military and law enforcement) and non-kinetic (socio-economic) approaches to improve security. He emphasized that improving the livelihood of the people is crucial to reducing the motivation for criminal activities.
Ndajiwo, who serves as the Deputy Chairman of the Niger State Planning Commission, noted the gap between the demands and available resources but assured that the government would prioritize the most critical needs. He explained that the forum aimed to bring the government closer to the people by incorporating their voices, expectations, and concerns into the government’s annual plan and budget, ensuring that citizens have a say in the decision-making process regarding the allocation of communal resources.