CSO Commends Kwara for Improvements in the 2024 Budget Proposal to Assembly
Hammed Shittu in Ilorin
A Civil Society Organisation (CSO), Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative (BBYDI), has lauded the Kwara State Government for improvements observed in the 2024 budget proposal that was presented to the Kwara State House of Assembly by Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq.
The BBYDI, however, raised concern over some vague and frivolous items in the proposed budget.
Governor AbdulRazaq laid before the legislators a fiscal plan of N296.4 billion for next year, with capital expenditure getting 61 per cent while recurrent expenditure got 39 per cent of the budget estimates.
A statement that was issued in Ilorin yesterday and signed by the BBYDI Global Director, Mr. Abideen Olasupo, lauded the state government for introducing “basis for estimation and overhead descriptions” in the 2024 proposed budget.
The statement, however, said that this had provided a foundation for clearer financial planning and accountability.
It said: “These improvements address some of the key issues we have consistently advocated for, marking a positive step towards enhanced financial planning.
“Additionally, we commend the state government for incorporating forward-thinking initiatives in the 2024 budget, such as drug abuse prevention programmes and the construction of a rehabilitation centre.
“The allocation of N100 million as take-off grant for the Education Trust Fund project is also laudable, reflecting a commitment to enhancing educational development in the state.
“Furthermore, the budget provision of N16 million for the establishment of crèches and breastfeeding corners in MDAs, promoting exclusive breastfeeding, demonstrates a holistic approach to healthcare and family support.”
The group, however, demanded clarifications from the state government over some concerns it observed in the budget proposals, which included missing overhead descriptions, unclear and non-specific line items, repetitive and frivolous items.
The organisation sought explanation on the introduction of N25 million for annual budget expenses and administration, and another N40 million provision for the same ‘annual budget expenses’ under the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development.
With KwaraLearn getting a budgetary provision of N3.5 billion for 2024, the CSO wondered why an additional amount of N150 million was allocated for digital education in the proposed budget, asking the government to specify what the amount is meant for.
It equally asked the government to clarify the N1 billion it budgeted for Adeta School and another N5 billion earmarked for Global Partnership for Education (GPE).
BBYDI queried the allocation of N2.214 billion for the management and administration of the Kwara State House of Assembly and another N480 million for Grassroots Development and Empowerment.
It also demanded explanation on the proposed purchase of two Prado Jeeps worth N100 million each for the speaker and deputy speaker of the House considering that N148.8 million was spent on the same budget line item in the current fiscal year. “Can the government clarify if such purchases are expected to be an annual occurrence?” it asked.
The organisation also asked the state government to clarify the allocation of N500 million for “MSMEs Support Fund” under the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Technology, and explain how it is different from Kwarapreneur programme being coordinated by KWASSIP.
It said that the explanation is needed in the face of another allocation of N4 billion for Owo Isowo and Owo Arugbo, along with N831 million for NG Cares still under KWASSIP.
It said: “The allocation of N6 billion for KwIRS Financial Consulting, with a special release tag, requires clarification, particularly when only N1.1 billion was spent as of September 2023. Could the government explain the justification for this allocation and the intended focus of the financial consulting services?
“Additionally, the allocation of N2.5 Billion for the Ministry of Finance for “financial consulting” raises concerns about the justification for such a substantial amount. Could the government provide details on the specific type of accounting software covered by this budget?”
