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The Commissioner of Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Idris, has described stakeholder engagement as a crucial step in promoting participatory governance, accountability, and sustainable development
Hon. Idris stated this on the occasion of Stakeholders’ Town Hall
Meeting On 2025 Budget Formulation in Lokoja
The Commissioner welcomed stakeholders to the 2025 Budget engagement session and attributed the state’s success to the active stakeholder engagement on the budget
He emphasized the importance of collaboration and transparency in the budget formulation process, which will ensure that the needs of the people are effectively addressed.
By fostering an inclusive government, Hon. Idris said the meeting aims to bring together diverse perspectives to enrich the budgeting process that will drive meaningful change in the state
He commended the dedication of stakeholders, acknowledging their vital role in ensuring government policies address the needs of the people.
He said that the citizen engagement exercise builds trust between the government and citizens, fostering inclusive participation in the state’s growth and prosperity.
While expressing gratitude for the longstanding commitment of traditional institutions, civil society organizations, and stakeholders in advocating for improved quality of life, Hon. Idris noted that the critique of government policies has added value to the policies of government.
According to him, Governor Ododo prioritizes this exercise, saying it is crucial to effective governance and marking the end of an era where budget preparation was solely in the hands of government ministries, departments, and agencies( MDAs)
The Commissioner concluded by presenting the State’s Budget Performance from January to September 2024, showcasing Alh. Usman Ododo’s commitment to advancing Kogi State through prudent financial management and strategic resource allocation.
This collaborative effort paves the way for a more prosperous and sustainable future for all citizens and states the importance of citizen engagement in effective governance
In his paper presentation, titled; STRENGTHENING CIVIL SOCIETY’s ROLE IN THE BUDGET PROCESS THROUGH ENGAGEMENT.-THE OPEN GOVERNMENT PARTNERSHIP (OGP), the Executive Director, Initiative for Grassroots Advancement in Nigeria ( INGRA) and Chairperson, Kogi Accountability Platform, Mal. Hamza Aliyu said the Budget is a government”‘s most Powerful Social and Economic Policy instrument, and it plays a central role in the lives of each citizen.
He mentioned that enhanced accountability, improved responsiveness, and public trust are some of the benefits of CSOs – government engagements.
Mr Aliyu concluded by saying that Civil Society’s role in the Budget process helps the government allocate resources more effectively and equitably. Building on this partnership requires commitment from both sides to transparency, mutual respect, and shared goals for community welfare.
Princess Funsho Sumanu
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Finance, Budget, and Economic Planning
