Yobe Kicks Off Bilateral Budget Discussions Ahead of 2027 Fiscal Year




By Yusuf A. Yusuf, Damaturu

The Yobe State Government has commenced bilateral discussions with Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) as part of preparations for the 2027 state budget, with a strong emphasis on realistic projections, effective implementation and measurable benefits to citizens.

The discussions, organised by the State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in Damaturu, brought together members of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, commissioners, permanent secretaries, executive and managing directors, directors, civil society organisations and other stakeholders.

Declaring the exercise open, the Secretary to the Yobe State Government, Dr. Mohammed Goje, stressed that the bilateral process should go beyond considering what MDAs request and instead focus on what government and citizens would ultimately receive from public spending.

He urged MDAs to align their proposals with government priorities, eliminate duplication and ensure that projects and programmes are properly designed, costed and capable of implementation.

Dr. Goje further emphasised the need to strengthen the link between budgeting and actual execution, noting that the quality of government projects depends largely on the quality of their design.

He called for greater attention to project readiness, timely implementation, monitoring, reporting and measurable outcomes, particularly in areas that directly affect citizens such as infrastructure, water, education, social protection, nutrition and economic opportunities.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Alhaji Muhammad Gagiyo, said the 2027 budget was being prepared against a challenging fiscal environment, requiring the state to adopt realistic and conservative revenue and expenditure projections.

He clarified that a reduction in the overall budget envelope should not be interpreted as a reduction in the government's commitment to development, but as an effort to produce a credible, implementable and results-oriented budget.

He cautioned MDAs against unrealistic revenue projections, particularly the inclusion of external donor funding where availability, agreements and disbursement are not sufficiently certain.

The Commissioner therefore urged MDAs to submit realistic, properly costed and prioritised proposals, with emphasis on completing ongoing priority projects, programmes with direct benefits to citizens, essential personnel and overhead costs, properly costed capital projects, contractual obligations and initiatives with measurable outcomes.

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