Kogi Finance Commissioner Reaffirms Realism and Continuous Monitoring of the 2026 Budget

…Restating commitment to Governor Ododo’s vision of transparent and achievable governance.

The Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Idris has called on all Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to remain focused on realistic budgeting, diligent implementation, and continuous performance tracking.

Addressing participants during the technical session, the Commissioner emphasized the need for realistic projections in the 2026 fiscal plan, noting that the ongoing budget exercise aims not only at figures but at achievable outcomes that reflect the administration’s vision of inclusive growth and efficient resource utilization.

Hon. Idris stated that the project must remain realistic. Where we notice excesses, we try to moderate those estimates so that what we plan can truly be achieved,”.

“No one should limit themselves or their ministries, what matters is how well we drive the process to achieve our goals.”

He stressed that the Ministry will maintain continuous engagement with MDAs even after the budget’s approval, to ensure that the quarterly performance reviews are not mere reports but active platforms for accountability and collaboration.

“We must go beyond uploading performance reports online. We will invite MDAs, NGOs, and other stakeholders for performance reviews every quarter, so everyone knows they are being watched and monitored. That way, transparency becomes part of our culture,” he stated.

The Commissioner commended His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, for his support and for strengthening the Government Data Unit (GDU) to enhance seamless coordination and digital monitoring of budget performance.

According to him, the GDU has introduced initiatives that will enable us to monitor performance on the go not waiting till quarter-end. This means both government and the public can track progress in real time,” the Commissioner added.

Highlighting Kogi State’s enormous human and natural resources, Hon. Idris drew inspiration from global examples, comparing the state’s population and potential to that of Singapore. He emphasized that with the right mindset, coordination, and commitment, Kogi could bridge development gaps and unlock new frontiers of growth. Singapore, with about six million people, has built a strong economy with limited natural resources. Kogi has a similar population strength, abundant human talent, and vast natural resources, including oil, gas, limestone, and solid minerals. If we put our house in order, we can achieve more than we imagine,” he stated.

He concluded by urging all stakeholders to sustain their dedication, innovation, and synergy in delivering the goals of the 2026 budget, describing the ongoing process as a collective journey toward a stronger, more prosperous Kogi State.

Princess Funsho Sumanu
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning.