Kogi Begins 2027 Budget Defence, Insists on Value for Money

MDAs Told to Prioritise Development Impact, Accountability and Realistic Projects

By Princess Funsho Sumanu

The Kogi State Government has commenced the technical defence of the 2027 budget proposals by Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), with a strong emphasis on value for money, accountability and measurable development impact.

The exercise, which began on Monday, October 19, 2026, is scheduled to run throughout the week as part of efforts to ensure that the state’s proposed budget reflects its development priorities and makes prudent use of available resources.

The Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Asiru Idris, FCA, who was represented at the opening session by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr Philip Ochu, described the technical defence as a critical stage in preparing a realistic, responsive and result-oriented budget.

He urged participating MDAs to ensure that their proposed programmes and projects were realistic, affordable, strategically justified and aligned with the development priorities of the state.

The commissioner, through his representative, called for the understanding and cooperation of all participants, stressing that the exercise provides an opportunity for government institutions to justify their proposed allocations and demonstrate how their spending plans would translate into tangible benefits for the people of Kogi State.

He noted that the technical defence was more than a routine administrative exercise, describing it as an essential mechanism for strengthening accountability, improving budget planning and ensuring the prudent management of public resources.

According to him, the ministry was prepared to receive clarifications and supporting information from MDAs, while encouraging constructive criticism, observations and recommendations to improve the quality of the 2027 budget.

Outlining the criteria for assessing the proposals, Idris emphasised that all budgetary requests must be consistent with the Kogi State Development Plan, affordable within the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF), prioritised through the Medium-Term Sector Strategies (MTSS), and capable of delivering measurable public benefits.

He stressed that MDAs must demonstrate clear development objectives and realistic implementation plans rather than merely submit lists of projects and expenditure requests.

The exercise is expected to provide a platform for a detailed review of proposed programmes, projects and expenditure plans, with a view to ensuring that available resources are channelled towards pressing priorities and that every allocation is backed by sound justification.

It also reinforces the ministry’s coordinating role in the budget preparation process, ensuring that the state’s annual spending plan reflects its medium-term development aspirations and promotes responsible public financial management.

Declaring the session open, the commissioner urged the participating MDAs to cooperate fully with the technical team, provide accurate information and engage constructively throughout the exercise.

The technical defence will continue throughout the week, with its outcome expected to inform the preparation of a strategic, realistic and accountable 2027 budget focused on delivering tangible development outcomes for the people of Kogi State.