Kwara Government on Wednesday commenced a new round of citizens’ engagement sessions on budget preparation ahead of the 2023 fiscal year of the state.
Gov. AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, in his speech, explained that the engagements are meant to harvest the views of the people which have formed the core of fiscal spendings of this administration.
AbdulRazaq, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Kayode Alabi, said that this round of the citizens’ engagement on the 2023 budget would start with Kwara Central, with another leg holding at Lafiagi for the people of Kwara North.
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The last pre-budget preparation engagement will hold in Kwara South.
He stated that the pattern of the past three years of the current administration in the state showed inclusion and adequate representation and participation of every citizen in the budget preparation process in the state.
“Last year, in spite of low revenue and the after-effects of COVID-19 meltdowns, we recorded an impressive total budget performance of 60 per cent.
“This is seen in the unprecedented spread of basic amenities and welfare of workers across every strata of the state” he said.
These, he added, underscored the commitment of the present administration to infrastructure development and the welfare of the people.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, Mr Yaqub Jaja charged Kwarans to make relevant contributions to ensure that the 2023 budget was effective and efficiently covered all areas of development.
Giving a breakdown of the performance of the 2021 budget, Director of Budget in the Ministry, Dr Shamsudeen Aregbe, stated that N9.6 billion was projected for pension and gratuity but N9.69 billion was expended, bringing it to 101 per cent performance.
(NAN)
