By Bashir Hassan Abubakar
Towards ensuring citizens participation in the preparation of 2024 Bauchi State Budget, the State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning has commenced the its yearly budget public hearing across the the 3 senatorial zones of the State.
In his welcome address at the commencement of the budget public hearing held on Tuesday 5th September, 2023, at the conference hall of Aminu Sale College of Education Azare, Bauchi State Commissioner of Budget and Planning Alhaji Aminu Hammayo thanked invited guests for honoring the Ministry’s invitation for the event.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mallam Idris Sale Giade, the Commissioner described the public hearing as an important component of budget preparation that gives citizens ample opportunity to tell Government what they need as a priority in their respective communities.
He said that the Bauchi State budget public hearing also provides an opportunity for the public to have a look at the current performance of the 2023 budget.
The commissioner then encouraged participants to be active in their contributions and to also advise Government on where they, as communities, needs intervention.
While highlighting the objectives of the the budget public hearing activity ,permanent secretary of the Ministry Mallam Idris Sale Giade said that such forum provides a platform between the Government and the Governed to share ideas and experiences.
Sale Giade said that the budget public hearing also provides a mechanism for feedback on programs and projects that was initiated by Bauchi State Government, and to further provides an avenue for monitoring and evaluation of Government projects and programs.
Represented by the Director of planning and programs of the ministry, Lawan Ahmed Bako, the permanent secretary said that the public hearing would also projects the basis upon which the 2024 proposed budget is centered on.
While presenting the budget performance of the fiscal year 2023, the Director of Budget of the ministry , Ibrahim Ahmed Rufa’i said that, all inputs generated from the public hearing will be collated with a view to incorporating some of them in the draft budget.
After presenting summary of the 2024 Bauchi State Macro-Economic Framework, participants were given opportunity to contribute, asked questions and clarification on some grey areas.
The Northern Senatorial Zone 2024 budget public hearing attracted participants from the Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), Traditional and Religious leaders, Local Government administrations , Faith Based Organizations (FBOs), Associations, Sociocultural groups and the security agencies.
The Northern Senatorial Zone comprises Katagum, Jama’are, Shira, Giade, Itas/Gadau, Gamawa and Zaki Local Government Areas.
Our correspondent reports that the 2024 budget public hearing will continue tomorrow in Misau LGA, targeting the Central Zone of the State.