Good Governance: Yobe Govt, CSOs Hold 2023 Budget Dialogue, Citizens’ Participation

In an effort to ensure a bottom to up approach towards the implementation of the 2023 budget, the Yobe State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in collaboration with the Network of Yobe State Civil Society Organisation (NYCSO) have organised a one-day budget dialogue and stakeholders/ citizen’s engagement.

Governor Mai Mala Buni, while declaring the dialogue open in Damaturu said his administration considers public opinion in formulating budget proposals as key towards meeting the actual demands of the electorates.

Buni, represented by his deputy, Hon Idi Barde Gubana, said the budget dialogue will also help in identifying key priority areas that require attention and commended the ministry of budget and the NYCSO for organizing the event, which he said, is a key to enhancing effective service delivery.

“The budget dialogue has further underscored the quest for accelerating Yobe State reform process of transparency, accountability, due process and inclusion of members of the general public in the annual budget.”

The commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning Alhaji Mohammed Garba Gagiyo said the government decided to organise the dialogue in order to strengthen Result Based Management (RBM) in decision making by the state government.

“This makes public servants responsible, it also creates transparency and accountability in public affairs and use of available data to improve decision making.

“This has made Yobe State proud amongst the committee of the state that produces and executes a realistic budget. The development of a realistic budget over the years has earned the state rewards in cash and kind from several national and international organisations that have shown keen interest in the way and manner public resources are generated and utilised in the interest of the citizens of the state.”

Also, the executive director, Yobe State Civil Society Organisation (NYCSO), Comrade Baba Shehu commended the Yobe State government for consistently organising such a dialogue that placed the state high in Nigeria.

Shehu urged the state government to focus attention on improving funding for education, especially Damatur-Kalallawa dual carriage road under construction.

“We will continue to support the government as the voice of the citizens.”