By Maureen Agbala
The Anambra State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning has begun its 2027 Bilateral Discussions with ministries, departments and agencies to ensure that projects proposed by government agencies align with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s priorities and address the state’s most pressing needs.
The discussions, held at the ministry’s conference hall at the Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka, are aimed at reviewing proposed projects, identifying key priorities and ensuring that available funds are directed towards the state’s most important development needs.
The Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs Chinyere Nwabachili, speaking at the event said the discussions were intended to help agencies present realistic, properly aligned projects rather than fault their submissions. She explained that officials would check project codes, titles and activities against state requirements and the governor’s manifesto, while asking each agency to explain its 2026 budget allocation, actual funds received so far and total proposed expenditure for 2027.
With limited funds available, Nwabachili urged the agencies to identify five priority projects for closer consideration before discussing their remaining proposals. She said the approach would help the government focus available resources on the most urgent needs while allowing officials and agencies to examine proposals through constructive dialogue.
In her remarks, the Chief Medical Director of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital, Amaku, Awka, Dr Maureen Umeakuewulu, welcomed the ministry’s guidance and pledged to work collaboratively with its officials. She said her hospital had submitted five priority projects ahead of its detailed proposals and was ready to discuss them in order of importance, in line with the ministry’s budget review process.
Maureen Agbala is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
