Sokoto state government has promised to develop an all inclusive and realistic budget for 2021.
Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal made the disclosure during stakeholders’ meeting session on the 2021 budget.
Tambuwal explained that the aim of the meeting was to articulate the views of stakeholders on how best
government can improve fiscal management in the most transparent manner.
He added, ” it is very necessary for all relevant stakeholders to partake in the important component of the budget process, in order to ensure their concerns are heard and addressed, and to enable them understand the areas of focus by the government as they relate to policies and programs.”
While reflecting over the outgoing fiscal year, Tambuwal noted that it dwelled on
the resuscitation of flood ravaged
infrastructure, dry season farming, irrigation and legacy projects among numerous others.
”We are all aware that the Nigerian economy is facing serious challenges in 2020, with the macro-economic environment significantly disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Crude oil
prices have declined sharply in the world market, with the Bonny Light crude dropping from a peak of US$72.2 per barrel on January 7, 2020, to below US$20 per barrel in April.
“This necessitated the review of the budget downward to comply with the reality that in effect, the US dollars crude oil price benchmark on which the 2020 budget was based had become unsustainable,” he stated.
The governor further disclosed that the state government would continue to sustain the current practice of the State Fiscal Transparency and Accountability Sustainability Program (SFTAS), which focuses on strengthening fiscal monitoring, accountability and transparency in the conduct of government business global best practices in the management of taxpayer’s money.
Similarly on Covid-19, Tambuwal said “the lockdown occasioned by COVID-19 pandemic in the outgoing year further stressed our economy.
“In spite of all these challenges, government shall continue to provide succor and relief to our people through cash transfer, as well as women empowerment programs among others.
”We will continue to welcome all contributions and constructive criticism, aimed at engendering good
governance, progress and stability for our dear state,” he added.
The governor also said his administration remain absolutely committed to the security, welfare and wellbeing of the citizenry and
provision of quality education to all.
”It is worth noting here, that the education sector has continued to receive the largest share of our budgetary allocations so as to further consolidate on the gains recorded in this sector,” Tambuwal maintained
The governor also said 2020 has been a very challenging one, not only for Sokoto
State but also the country, adding that his administration will focus on mitigating the negative impacts of the
situation through the provision of
palliatives to all, especially the vulnerable segment of the society.
Similarly, Tambuwal said the government shall continue to focus attention on mechanisms aimed at enabling the people to be on their
feet for better and more sustainable
development.
He said the state government over-dependence on federal allocation is
unacceptable hence, the need to look inward with a view to improving the internally generated revenue, prompting the state government to commence reform of the Sokoto State Internal Revenue Service, which operations is now backed by a new law.
“Indeed, as a mark of our determination to bring about positive change through effective collaborations with development partners and donor agencies, government will continue to meet its obligations for effective management of development assistance and bringing development to the teeming populace through partnerships,” he emphasized.
He acknowledged the contributions made
by Civil Society Organizations to the
forum and assured that their
voices are heard and noted, just as applauded
religious leaders, women and
youths for their
invaluable support.
In his address the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Muhammad Mainasara Ahmad said since the inception of the present administration government has adopted the inclusive budgetary approach aimed at ensuring participation, ownership, accountability, transparency and sustainability in the overall policy development of the state.
