FIC Report (Abia State) – Abia State Governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu has flagged off the 2022 -2024 Multi-Year Budget Defence with a call for concerted efforts to be made to improve the State Internally Generated Revenue to cushion the effects of dwindling Statutory Allocation and Increasing Debt Profile.
Governor Ikpeazu flagged off the 2022-2024 Multi- Year Budget at the State Planning Commission, Umuahia, called on Ministries, Department and Agencies to always prepare and present realistic budgets by being prudent in the management of available resources to enable Government attain set goals of improving the lives of citizenry.
Governor Ikpeazu represented by his Deputy, Sir Ude OKo Chukwu noted that the theme of the Budget” Budget Of Recovery Through Industrialization And Inclusive Growth”was chosen to demonstrate Government commitment to economic recovery from the COVD-19 Pandemic Outbreak, effects of the Security Crisis, safeguarding lives, jobs, businesses and industrial recovery and urged the Budget Committee to be thorough in guiding MDAs in presenting a realistic budget that will foster the economic development and well-being of the State.
The State Chief Executive who described Budget as a veritable and indispensable Fiscal Policy Instrument that enable Government to plan and execute policies through proper analysis of needs in order to optimally utilize scarce resources and urged all to make the Budget Preparation and Defence a success for a better State.
Earlier in her opening remarks, the Permanent Secretary/Executive Secretary Abia State Planning Commission, Dr. (Mrs.) Nnenna Chikezie noted that the Budget Committee organized a One Day Workshop to enable all those concerned in the preparation of the Budget in about 120 MDAs to present a realistic budget in line with the State Development Plan to enable Government plan and executive policies that will have positive impact on citizens.
Dr. (Mrs.) Nnenna Chikezie who is also the Chairman of the State Budget Committee, while lauding Governor Ikpeazu for flagging off the 2022-2024 Budget and for the numerous developmental and infrastructural projects that has transformed the State, assured that the Committee will do a thorough job within the stipulated time bearing in mind the COVID -19 and security challenges confronting the State and world at large.