Gombe Govt Engages Citizens in 2024 Budget Preparation, As Gov Inuwa Pledges Inclusive Governance

By Rabilu Abubakar Gombe

The Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON has restated his administration’s commitment to transparent and inclusive governance.

At a one-day citizens consultative meeting for the 2024 budget preparation, Governor Inuwa Yahaya reiterated his commitment to fostering citizens’ participation in the formulation and implementation of state budgets.

A statement signed by the Director General press affairs Government House Isma’ila Uba Misilli, state that the Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the Gombe State Government, Professor Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, pointed out the significant strides achieved through the engagement of citizens in budgetary processes since the inception of his administration in 2019.

He Emphasizing the citizens’ role in refining budgetary initiatives, the Governor acknowledged the invaluable feedback received which he said has enabled the government to rectify errors and enhance service delivery for improved governance.

“Our commitment to engaging with the people of Gombe State is unwavering. We continue to incorporate diverse viewpoints from various segments of society, ensuring transparency and accountability in our actions. Through these engagements, we have delivered on our promises and aim to do even better with continued support,” Governor Inuwa Yahaya affirmed.

According to statement the Governor lauded the painful yet rewarding effort to institutionalize Public Financial Management which earned Gombe State commendation at both national and international levels.

The state’s recent ranking as the 5th most transparent in the country by the Centre for Fiscal Transparency and Integrity Watch further validated the administration’s commitment to fiscal prudence.

Goveenor Inuwa, while reflecting on the impact of citizen-driven budget inputs, expressed gratitude for enriching the budgeting process and bolstering the administration’s commitment to implementing annual budgets effectively.

He emphasized the government’s continued focus on health, education, water supply, housing, infrastructure, and rural development sectors which are consistently prioritized through citizens’ feedback.

The Speaker of the Gombe State House of Assembly, Hon. Abubakar Mohammed Luggerewo, hailed the administration’s participatory budgeting approach.

Also Speaking, the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation Chairman, Hon. Ali Baba Manu, praised Governor Inuwa Yahaya’s prudent financial management, acknowledging the positive socioeconomic impact of citizen-influenced budget initiatives.

Earlier, the Commissioner of Budget and Economic Planning, Salihu Baba Alkali, commended the Governor’s commitment to grassroots-oriented policies, assuring the citizens of the state’s consideration to their inputs for the budgetary processes.

He said the consultative meeting underlines the Gombe State Government’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and citizens’ inclusion in shaping policies and programmes that reflect the aspirations and needs of the populace.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Development, Jalo Ali, highlighted the government’s steadfast commitment to institutionalizing citizens’ participation in budget formulation, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to inclusive governance.