By Sarah Ezeh
The Anambra State Government has inaugurated a committee to commence preparation of the 2027 budget.
The committee has the mabdate to produce a realistic, transparent and people-oriented fiscal plan that will accelerate development and improve service delivery across the state.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Chukwukadibia Okoye, inaugurated the committee on Friday at the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Jerome Udoji Secretariat, Awka.
He charged members of the committee to produce a budget framework that reflects the needs and aspirations of residents.
Describing the budget as the “heartbeat of governance” and a critical instrument for delivering meaningful development outcomes, Okoye urged the committee members to approach the assignment with discipline, integrity and a strong sense of public responsibility.
He said the decision to hold a physical inauguration was aimed at strengthening collaboration, commitment and collective ownership of the budget preparation process.
The commissioner told members that their selection was based on merit and competence, urging them to prioritise evidence-based projects and the overall interest of the state above individual or sectoral demands.
He emphasised the need for early preparation, realistic projections, accurate costing and improved coordination among Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure an effective budget.
Okoye cautioned against inflated proposals, duplication of projects and unnecessary late additions, stressing the importance of completing ongoing projects, increasing internally generated revenue, attracting development support and ensuring prudent management of public resources.
He noted that challenges such as erosion require strategic planning and prioritisation, given limited resources, adding that the state must focus on projects with the greatest impact on citizens.
The commissioner assured the committee of the ministry’s support throughout the process and commended the Permanent Secretary, Mrs. Chinyere Nwabachili, directors, budget officers, planning teams, administrative and accounts staff, partner agencies and MDAs for their contributions to previous budget cycles.
Earlier, Nwabachili welcomed participants and encouraged innovation, active engagement and collaboration. She presented the 2027 budget calendar, which includes community submissions, budget briefings, bilateral discussions, stakeholder consultations, harmonisation, Executive Council review, legislative presentation and final approval.
The Head of Budget, Dr. Christy Akabuo, said bilateral sessions would be crucial in aligning government spending with development priorities and ensuring fiscal sustainability.
She identified unrealistic projections and weak prioritisation as some of the challenges from previous budget cycles, stressing the need for improved planning and stronger budget discipline.
The Chairman of the Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet), Prince Chris Azor, reaffirmed civil society’s commitment to supporting an inclusive, transparent and citizen-driven budgeting process.
The inauguration formally kick-starts activities leading to the preparation of the 2027 Appropriation Bill, with government officials, civil society organisations and other stakeholders expected to collaborate in developing a budget that reflects the state’s development priorities and the needs of its people.
Leave a Reply