The inputs of the Plateau State Citizens is key in the process of of budgeting policy and process because they are part and parcel of the budget
Mr Lamba Peter Bot made the statement during a town hall meeting on citizens engagement in the budgeting process for the central zonePlateau 2023 Budget to capture the Citizens inputs – Lamba Peter Bot
The inputs of the Plateau State Citizens is key in the process of of budgeting policy and process because they are part and parcel of the budget
Mr Lamba Peter Bot, The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, made the statement during a town hall meeting on citizens engagement in the budgeting process for the central zone held at the Joshua Dariye hall, Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi, Jos, Campus today 30th June, 2023. held at the Joshua Dariye hall, Plateau State Polytechnic Barkin Ladi, Jos, Campus today 30th June, 2023.
He said that In spite of the limited resources, the government is still responsive to its statutory responsibilities to the citizens of Plateau state.
“The citizens are the focal point of government budgeting policy and programs hence the need for their involvement at the preparatory stage. Their valuable input is key in the process because they are part and parcel of the budget. The 2023 citizen budget has to comply with a recent guideline that puts emphasis on what is known as local governance.”
“It will interest you to note that, the ministry of budget and economic planning was directed to drop the approved budget estimate of 147.5 billion Naira in the 2021 fiscal year to 101 billion Naira in 2022 which finally stood at 106.5 billionaira after legislative consideration. The desire of the government is to prepare a modest and realistic budget that will add value to the state not mere reflection of figures. I, therefore, want to appeal for understanding of the citizens in that regard.”
He said that “the 2023 budgeting process will soon commence following the same process in which a budget draft document is expected to be transmitted to the legislature in good time. The projects and programs to be encapsulated in the proposals are expected to be in line with the three-pillar policy trust of our charismatic governor, RT. Hon. Barr. Simon Bako Lalong our rescue team leader, are i. Peace, Security, and good governance, ii. Physical Infrastructure Development and iii. Sustainable Economic Re-Birth.
“Indeed, to prove beyond a reasonable doubt in governance, His Excellency, RT. Hon. Barr. Simon Bako Lalong has demonstrated continued work on all the projects inherited from the past administration since inception with most of them now completed and very few un-going.
He has also initiated new projects that are very critical and have a direct bearing on the lives of citizens cutting across the 17 local government areas of the state. Similarly, his desire and zeal for the welfare of citizens can be seen in the prompt payment of salaries and pensions.
Some issues rised by some participants are the ministry of finance and budget should take note and capture tourism as it will also be a means of generating income and also beautify the state
Another participant touched on the need to look at the area of natural resources, and the need to collect task from the big trucks coming in and parking on the road side, damaging the roads
A co-chair at the town hall and rep of the Civil Society Organization, Obadiah .J Afwanks, stated that the Open Government Partnership was a commendable development, having civil societies partner with the Government towards a participatory Budgeting process.
He said the move creates an opportunity for a people-oriented budget that highlights the needs of citizens, where the civil society goes to the local government to conduct needs assessments and help the communities to develop their own community plans.
Local Government Area representatives from Plateau Northern Zone made their budgetary submissions while Citizens who spoke at the town hall called for the budgeting to also capture things that promote the state in terms of tourism, economic development and return of peace
