2023 ProposedBudget: Anambra Economic Planning And Budget Ministry Holds Stakeholders’ Interactive Meeting

As part of efforts to ensure citizens participation, inclusiveness and consensus for the proposed 2023 annual budget, the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget has held a one-day stakeholders’ interactive meeting.

The meeting which was to engage the public for the evaluation, implementation and monitoring of the budget attracted commissioners, traditional rulers, permanent secretaries, Ministries, Department and Agencies, civil society organizations and many others for the overview of what is contained in the budget and how it is expected to be implemented.

Speaking during the meeting held at the Jerome Udoji State Secretariat, Awka, the Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Mrs. Chiamaka Nnake said that the essence of the meeting was to explain the budget to stakeholders for them to understand what is contained therein so as to hold government accountable in delivering the proposal as well as to hear the views of the participants on the budget .

She noted that it has become a culture in the state to engage people to discuss in clear terms about a proposed budget as every budget is for the citizens.

In a welcome address, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mrs. Kerry Uzor, maintained that the interactive session was in line with Government’s insistence on promoting critical elements of good governance which includes transparency, rule of law, accountability and inclusiveness and pointed out that budget as a public document needs the opinion of stakeholders to achieve its aims and objectives.

While outlining the objectives of the meeting, the Director of Planning of the Ministry, Mr. Arthur Iwoanya disclosed that it provides citizens access to information on activities of government and helps them to understand the decision-making process and how the decisions taken reflect the needs and priorities of the citizens.