Haruna Abdulrashid
Members of the Gombe State House of Assembly committees on Education, Health, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene and other stakeholders have attended a two-day workshop.
PERISCOPE NIGERIA reports that the workshop organised by United States Agency for International Development Nigeria State Accountability, Transparency and Effectiveness State2State, held on 13th – 14th, May, 2024 at R&K hotel, Kano.
In her welcome address, Chief of Party USAID State2State, Irene Karimi, stated that budget reviews are to make sure they are reflective of the wish and aspirations of the people. She further added that, transparency in budget implementation leads to investors confidence and the purpose of this intervention adding, “to strengthen the oversight function of the Gombe state house of assembly in budget process for improved performance.”
On his part, Speaker Gombe State House of Assembly, Abubakar Luggerewo, in his opening remarks commended S2S regular interventions in Gombe state which have contributed to enhancement of good governance, lauding the governor of Gombe State for his good vision for the state.
Also, S2S Gombe Team Lead, Muhammad Abubakar, in his presentation on the overview of USAID’s interventions in the state, reiterating the harmonious working relationship that exists between the state government and the USAID which has led to increased efficiency and performance of the subnational governments.
The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning Gombe State, Alhaji Salisu Alkali, presented an overview of the state budget process and the role of state house of assembly in budget policy formulation, preparation, execution, and control as well as budget accounting, monitoring and reporting.
The Commissioner noted that education sector has increased allocation of 31 per cent, health sector has increased allocation of five per cent, water, sanitation and hygiene has an increased allocation of 64 per cent in 2023.
On her part, Commissioner for Education, Dr Aishatu Maigari, represented by Secretary, acting Chairperson State Universal Basic Education Board, Yawoji Bala, presented the Gombe State budget performance of SUBEB from 2023 & 2024.
While presenting she raised challenges and recommendations, where she mentioned that, there are about 16,000 primary schools pupils and 1,700 teacher to serve, all depending on the government budget, which needs intervention and support of the State Assembly.
