USAID STATE2STATE conducts budget quality review for Sokoto MDAs

 

By Mansur Danjuma Sanchi

The USAID Nigeria State Accountability Transparency and Effectiveness (State2State) Activity, in collaboration with the Sokoto State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, has successfully concluded a three-day workshop on Budget Quality Review for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) in Sokoto State .

The workshop, held in Birnin Kebbi from September 5 to 7, 2024 aimed to identify gaps and challenges faced in previous budgets, with the goal of developing a high-quality and standardized budget for 2025.

In his address, Mallam Buhari Umar, the Director of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, represented by Budget Officer Bashir Ahmed Abubakar, emphasized that the workshop, titled "Budget Quality Review," was organized to critically evaluate past budgets in terms of description and performance.

He added that the focus was also on identifying areas that directly impact the community to facilitate necessary corrections and ensure alignment with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS).

The Director described the workshop as the first of its kind prior to the annual budget preparation. He expressed gratitude to USAID State2State for their ongoing support in enhancing the capabilities of the MDAs in Sokoto State.

The workshop included budget presentations and a question-and-answer session, fostering an engaging environment for learning and discussion. 

Attendees included the Chairpersons of House Committees on Health, Education, Water Resources, and Public Accounts, along with officials from the Ministries of Budget and Finance.

Also present were USAID implementing partners such as Helen Keller International, representatives from civil society organizations, the Accountant General's Office, Sokoto Internal Revenue Service, and various ministries including Health, Education, Water Resources, Environment, and Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH).

The workshop provided a crucial platform for stakeholders to identify mistakes from previous budgets and work collaboratively towards creating a realistic and high-quality 2025 budget for Sokoto State.