2025 Budget: Senator Musa seeks fair share of infrastructure projects for Niger State

…dismisses allegations of regional bias

By Kunle Sanni

Senator Mohammed Musa, representing Niger East at the National Assembly, has denied claims that he stated the state was marginalized in the proposed N4.3 trillion budget allocated for road construction projects in 2025.

He described these claims as a deliberate misinterpretation of his remarks made on the Senate floor.

The lawmaker, who is also the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, clarified that his argument focused on the strategic prioritization of road infrastructure based on economic viability, human and commercial vehicular traffic, and the overall benefit to the state.

“At no point did I suggest that any part of Niger State is less important. My argument was simple: when allocating scarce resources, economically viable roads with heavy human and commercial vehicular traffic should take precedence to maximize impact and benefit the most people,” he stated.

Senator Musa expressed concern over the 2025 budget’s N4.3 trillion allocation for road projects, noting that Niger State was allocated funds for the Agaie-Katcha-Baro Road—less than a quarter of a billion naira—an amount he described as inadequate for meaningful road construction.

He questioned why this particular road was prioritized over others with significantly higher traffic and economic relevance, including the Minna-Suleja, Jebba-Mokwa-Makera-Tegina, and Bida-Lambata roads.

The senator also addressed the state of Baro Port, emphasizing that the port remains non-functional despite years of promises.

“We should not be distracted into thinking Baro Port is operational—there is no port in Baro. For many years, it has remained a monumental, non-functional, failed asset,” he said.

Musa reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for Niger State’s fair share of infrastructure projects, dismissing allegations that he sought to sideline any region.

“Any attempt to twist my words is misleading and a deliberate distraction from the real issue—ensuring that Niger State gets its fair share of infrastructure and economic development,” he asserted.

The senator vowed to continue pushing for holistic and equitable development across the state, urging the public to focus on facts rather than distortions of his stance.