Niger Assembly Directs LGs to Allocate 5% for Primary School Repairs

The Niger State House of Assembly has directed all local government councils to allocate 5% of their monthly budgetsto the Local Government Education Authority (LGEA) for operating expenses. The move is designed to tackle the worsening infrastructure challenges in the state’s public primary schools.

                              

The decision followed a motion raised by Muhammad Sani Idris, member representing Tafa constituency, who urged the government to prioritize the maintenance of elementary school buildings.

Idris stressed that:

• The poor state of public schools reflects years of neglect.

• Directing 5% of council budgets to LGEA will significantly ease infrastructure problems.

• Urgent attention is needed to preserve school facilities and improve learning environments.

The Assembly’s resolution builds on Section 10 of the NSUBEB Law, which empowers lawmakers to guide the state’s approach to basic education.

Key directives include:

• All LGAs must establish an LGA and District Education Committee, with regular sittings and operational support.

• NSUBEB (Niger State Universal Basic Education Board) must design and implement a comprehensive maintenance program for all public schools, with clearly defined roles for state, LGAs, and communities.

• A tripartite meeting will be convened, bringing together:

  • Ministry of Local Government

  • Ministry of Education

  • NSUBEB

  • Local Government Education Councils

  • Secondary School Education Board

  • LGEA representatives

At the plenary, Speaker Abdulmalik Mohammed Sarkin-Daji instructed House Clerk Mallam Farouq Umar Isah to forward the resolution to the executive arm of government for implementation.

Lawmakers expressed hope that this policy will not only improve facilities but also foster collaboration among stakeholders in the education sector.