From Saka Bolaji, Minna
Members of the Niger state House of Assembly have demanded adequate funding for the State Ministry of Information for effective and efficient publicity of government’s activities.
While commending the Commissioner, Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, Mr. Jonathan Vatsa for using the little amount given to the Ministry, the members lamented that paucity of funds has hampered activities since the inception of this present administration.
Chairman, House Committee on Information, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Shuaibu Liman said that the media was greatly needed to showcase government’s successes.
According to Liman, “Information is the bedrock of every administration and must be given utmost priority. I tell you, Ministry of Information is the life wire of the administration.
“The media is not cheap; if the government can release adequate funds for the Ministry, there will be rejuvenation. We have written to the government to expedite action so as to activate Bida, Kotangora and Suleja stations.
“More allocation to the Ministry will put the state in positive light nationwide. The government must stand up to boost media and publicity because people are not aware of what is happening. The government is achieving success, yet the media is not carried along.”
In his presentation, Commissioner, Mr Jonathan Vatsa said the total sum of N703,577,866.38k was proposed with Personnel Cost put at N108,474,723.38k, Overhead cost N50,000,000.00k and Capital Projects at N545,103,143.00.
He further lamented that out of the meagre funds approved for 2016 budget, only a scanty amount was accessed in line with the approved budget.
Leave a Reply