Plateau citizens have been called to tailor their budgetary inputs towards supporting the policies of the Government to be in tune with the state development strategy which aims at improving internally generated revenue (IGR).
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Lamba Peter Bot, made this known while addressing those present at a Town hall meeting on citizens’ engagement in the budgeting process for the central zone held at plateau state polytechnic, Jos campus held today 30th June, 2022.
Mr Lamba Perter Bot, while acknowledging that the special interface between Government and citizens in the budget preparation process was of utmost importance, as it will help strengthen transparency, accountability and sustainability of government programmes as well as to gain government confidence in implementation.
He said that In spite of the limited resources, the government is still responsive to its statutory responsibilities to the citizens of Plateau state.
“The citizens are the focal point of government budgeting policy and programmes hence the need for their involvement at the preparatory stage. Their valuable inputs is key in the process because they are part and parcel of the budget. The 2023 citizen budget has to comply with a recent guideline that put emphasis on what is krown as local governance.”
“It will interest you to note that, the ministry of budget and economic planning was directed to drop the approved budget estimate of 147.5 billion naira in the 2021 fiscal year to 101 billion naira in 2022 which finally stood at 106.5 billionaira after legislative consideration. The desire of the government is to prepare a modest and realistic budget that will add value to the state not mere reflection of figures. I, therefore, want to appeal for understanding of the citizens on that regard.”
“Equally, it may interest you, to note that the 2023 budgeting process will soon commence following the same process which a budget draft document is expected to be transmitted to the legislature in good time. The projects and programmes to be encapsulated in the proposals are expected to be in lime with the three-pillar policy trust of our charismatic governor, RT. Hon. Barr. Simon Bako Lalong our rescue team leader, which are:
i. Peace, Security and good governance, ii. Physical Infrastructure Development and iii. Sustable Economic Re-Birth
“Indeed, to proof beyond reasonable doubt in governance, His Excellency, RT. Hon. Barr. Simon Bako Lalong has demonstrated by continued work on all the projects inherited from the past administration since inception with most of them now completed and very few un-going.
He has also initiated new projects that are very critical and have direct bearing on the lives of citizens cutting across the 17 local government areas of the state. Similarly, his desire and zeal for the welfare of citizens can be seen in the prompt payment of salaries and pension.
Let me use this opportunity to remind citizens that, the recent emergence of COVID-19 pandemic that affected our economy is still with us but gradually winding up. However, more needs to be done” He said
Also Speaking, A co chair at the townhall and rep of the CivilSociety Organization, O.J Afwanks, said that the Open Government Partnership was a commendable development, having civil societies partner with Government towards participatory Budgeting process.
He said the move creates an opportunity for a people oriented budgets that highlights the needs of citizens, where the civil society goes to the local government to conduct needs assessment and help the communities to develop their own community plans.
Local Government Area representatives from Plateau Northern Zone made their budgetary submissions while Citizens who spoke at the townhall called for the budgeting to also capture things that promote tthe state in terms of tourism, economic development and return of peace.
