_By Princess Funsho Sumanu_
The Kogi State Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning has charged Local Government Councils across the state to ensure that their Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and annual budgets are firmly aligned with the state’s 32-Year Development Plan to accelerate grassroots development and improve service delivery.
The charge was given during the 2026 MTEF Budget Defence for Local Government Councils held in Lokoja, with representatives of Ajaokuta, Omala and Bassa Local Government Areas appearing before the assessment panel.
Speaking on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr. Philip Ochu, the Director of Monitoring and Evaluation, Mr. Bello Joseph, emphasized that the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework remains a critical planning instrument derived from the State Development Plan and serves as the foundation for annual budgeting.
He noted that the State’s long-term development agenda was designed not only for the state government but also for local governments, stressing that both tiers of government must work in synergy to achieve the objectives of the development plan.
According to him, local governments occupy a strategic position in identifying and addressing the needs of the people at the grassroots, making it imperative for their development priorities to align with the broader vision of the state.
Mr. Joseph further explained that the budget defence process provides an opportunity to assess revenue projections, review previous performances and evaluate the fiscal outlook of the councils in order to determine realistic budget sizes.
He described revenue generation as a critical driver of development, noting that improved Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) remains essential for expanding capital expenditure and delivering meaningful projects to the people.
He therefore urged participants to approach the exercise with sincerity and commitment to enable the Ministry to produce a comprehensive report that would support effective planning and development across the local government areas.
In her remarks, the Director of Planning, Social Services and Regional Development, Mrs. Jennifer Akubo, described the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework as an indispensable requirement for budget preparation at the local government level.
She noted that without the MTEF, local governments cannot effectively prepare their budgets, adding that the Ministry remains committed to sustaining the exercise as a critical component of fiscal planning and development administration in the state.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Kogi State Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Mallam Jimoh Mohammed, commended the Ministry for consistently sustaining the annual MTEF process despite operational challenges.
He described the exercise as a vital component of fiscal planning and accountability, noting that the Ministry has demonstrated remarkable commitment in ensuring continuity of the process over the years.
Mallam Mohammed disclosed that the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, established under the Fiscal Responsibility Law of 2012, has witnessed renewed activity following recent efforts to strengthen its operations and deepen collaboration with Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as Local Government Councils.
He stressed that fiscal discipline remains the cornerstone of sustainable development, noting that prudent management of public resources under the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has continued to drive infrastructure development and economic transformation across the state.
According to him, ongoing investments in critical sectors, including transportation, healthcare, commerce, mining and other strategic areas, are clear indications of the government’s commitment to responsible fiscal management and inclusive development.
The Commission’s Chairman further revealed that the Fiscal Responsibility Law was recently reviewed and signed into law by Governor Ododo, strengthening the legal framework for fiscal accountability and transparency in the state.
He urged local government officials to ensure that their MTEFs are prepared in line with the state’s 32-Year Development Plan, Fiscal Strategy Papers, macroeconomic indices and other relevant policy documents.
Mallam Mohammed also called on local government authorities to intensify efforts towards improving internally generated revenue, eliminating revenue leakages and reducing wastages, stressing that sustainable development at the grassroots can only be achieved through prudent resource management and fiscal responsibility.
He assured the councils of the Commission’s readiness to partner with them in promoting transparency, accountability and improved revenue generation for the benefit of the people.
The 2026 MTEF Budget Defence continues as the Ministry engages the remaining Local Government Councils in the state to ensure that their development priorities are aligned with the strategic vision of the Kogi State Government.
