….The Enugu State Chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students, NANS, the highest umbrella body of students strongly commends the Enugu State Government for her Responsiveness, accountable and transparent disposition towards the management of the state’s resources.
This Commendation was rendered by the Representatives of NANS at the two-day annual Budget Performance Review Retreat on Thursday 26th of August and Friday 27th of August 2021 at Nike Lake Resort Enugu, with focus on the 2020 Final Year and 2021 Mid-year Budget Progress organised by Enugu State government through the ministry of Budget and Planning. The event was graced by relevant stakeholders in the society such as; Members of the Executive Council, Civil Society Organisations, Permanent Secretaries, Traditional Rulers, Youths and Women Groups, Students Representatives, President Generals and the Nigeria Union of Journalists.
The Enugu State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Hon. Dr. David Ugwunta in his opening address appreciated the Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi for his transparency and accountability and for making the Budget Review Retreat come to pass.
The Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi represented by his deputy Lolo Barr. Mrs Cecilia Ezeilo reassured his commitment to the open government partnership and of their obligations with transparency and accountability in line with the 2007 fiscal responsibility act.
Speaking further, Lolo Ezeilo announced that the Governor has recently approved that the whole process of implementing the result area on the production of Citizens Accountability Report (CAR) in collaboration with Civil Society Organisations should go ahead.
“Therefore, this retreat must aim at reviewing the budget performance so far with a view to applying the lessons learnt for the purpose of achieving excellent performance in the remaining months of the life of the budget,” she said while declaring the retreat open.
Sir. Odo Remy, the Accountant General of Enugu State, said that the total revenue of the state in 2020 was N 101,998,498,477.34 which represents 87.84% of N116.12 billion of the amended revenue budget. Speaking on the performance of the 2020 budget, Mr. Odo disclosed that the percentage performance of the budget was 77.06%. On the implementation of the 2021 Midyear budget, the Accountant General revealed that the sum of N 41,158,135,563.90 which represents 53.16% of N77.42 billion has been realized by the state. On expenditure, the AG also revealed that out of the N84.92 billion for the period under review (Jan-Jun 2021), the state has released expenditure warrants (which has been Cash backed) worth N40.36 billion representing 47.52%.
The host and the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Hon. David O. Ugwunta, PhD, pointed out that the review which heralds the commencement of the 2022 budget is important as the outcome will guide the preparation of the 2022-2024 Medium Term Budget. “It will also provide us the opportunity to consult Stakeholders and gather inputs into the 2022-2024 MTEF”. Presenting the Budget Performance Analysis, Facts with Figures, Dr. Ugwunta revealed that in 2020, well over 340 projects were either completed or started across the 3 senatorial zones of the state which amounts to N45,177,307,490.57 representing 58.99% of the 2020 revised capital size of N76,584,641,080 budget.
The Commissioner for Finance, Adaonah Kene-Uyanwune, who stressed the importance of the Review Program, stated that despite Covid-19 pandemic and it’s challenges, Enugu state government, under the leadership of Governor Ugwuanyi was able to achieve tremendous progress.
The State NANS Chairman Comr. Romanus Ogene, speaking on behalf of the organization extolled The government for maintaining accountability, Transparency and Due Process as core values of the administration. While noting that the state has been doing tremendously well in the area of IGR, he advised that an effective portion of this IGR should be channelled into developmental areas such as agriculture that would create jobs and employment for young graduates. In response to that, the State commissioner for labor and productivity, Hon. Uchechukwu Ogbonna assured of the state’s commitment to task of the provision of more jobs and employment for young people.
Also present at the event includes, the Chairman of the State House Committee on Budget and Appropriation, Ezenta Ezeani, the Chairman of Enugu state Traditional Rulers Council, Igwe Lawrence Agubuzu and the Commissioner for Special Duties, Mabel Agbo, Commissioner for Lands and Urban Development, Hon. Dr. Victor Chukwuemeka Nnam, Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Hon. Engr. Greg Nnaji, Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Uchechukwu Ogbonna, Hon. Dr. Mathew Anene Idu, Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Chijioke Edeoga, Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Hon. Ugonna Ibe, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ikechukwu Emmanuel Obi, Head of Service, Hon. Ken Chukwuegbo, Rector IMT professor Nweze, the Ag Vice-chancellor ESUT, Professor Charles Ezeh and the host of others.
NANS Media Report
