By Maureen Agbala :
In a concerted effort to drive efficient and productive resource utilisation for transformative development, the Anambra State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake, has emphasized the need for prudent allocation and strategic prioritization of projects to maximise economic benefits.
Mrs. Nnake highlighted these points during the inauguration of the 2024 Budget Committee members at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning’s Conference Hall, Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka.
She urged bilateral discussions between the Ministry, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and other Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to produce a credible and realistic budget.
The ongoing bilateral discussions aim to streamline the budgetary activities of MDAs, ensuring that each MDA operates within its allocated budget envelope and that these operations are prioritized by the communities or people involved.
Mrs. Nnake pointed out that the state’s recurrent revenue, particularly its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), is not growing at the desired pace. Therefore, MDAs must carefully prioritize their initiatives, and she stressed the importance of integrating the Community Charter of Demand (CCD) into MDAs’ plans to ensure meaningful community participation in the budgeting process.
“Prioritizing key programmes is crucial, given that the budget is structured around specific initiatives. Local government matters, such as road maintenance, should be managed by local authorities. The Works Department must account for this distinction when planning its budget to ensure resources are effectively allocated and responsibilities properly assigned,” she stated.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Chris Azor, Chairman of the Anambra Civil Society Organisation (CSO), expressed his appreciation for the bilateral discussions and emphasized the need for them to continue. He noted that they are implementing a participatory budget.
“The benefit is that we are bringing the budget to the citizens. It is now the citizens’ budget, and you can see how participatory it is. Many civil society groups, such as the Women’s Society and organizations representing people with disabilities, among others, are participating. It’s a potpourri of all stakeholders, and this is what the budget should be about. The budget is truly coming from the citizens. For example, if they need a market, you don’t give them water. We have moved past the era where budgets are decided solely by MDAs,” he said.
He continued, “Today, we are implementing a participatory budget, the people’s budget. Whatever the people want is included, and the government prioritizes based on the people’s input. As you know, we are doing more with less. So, when you look at the priorities identified by the people, you choose from them, and implementation begins, creating a positive trickle-down effect that makes everyone happy. We are prioritizing the needs of the citizens, with a new level of transparency and accountability.”
A person living with disability, Mr. Okoye, expressed full support for the commissioner’s approach to prioritizing the needs of MDAs, especially given the government’s decision not to procure loans. He noted that this focus would likely result in only a few critical projects being included in the budget.
“The budget’s performance over the past two quarters indicates the government’s strong commitment to developing essential infrastructure, with the goal of accelerating the state’s socio-economic growth and ensuring resources are effectively allocated to initiatives that drive progress and enhance citizens’ quality of life,” he stated.
* Agbala is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *