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| Mukhtar Ahmed Kaduna State Commissioner for Planning and Budget |
The Kaduna State Government says its annual refresher training for officials involved in budget preparation is aimed at strengthening the budget process, reducing delays and ensuring effective implementation of public programmes across the state.
The Commissioner for Planning and Budget, Mukhtar Ahmed, stated this during an interview following a training programme organised for officials from ministries, departments and agencies of government.
Ahmed explained that the annual exercise is necessary to update personnel on new developments, government policies and emerging digital processes that could affect the preparation and implementation of the state budget.
According to him, although many of the officials are experienced in budget preparation, regular refresher training is necessary to ensure that all ministries, departments and agencies operate with a common understanding of the process.
He said the training would also enable the Planning and Budget Commission to undertake its responsibilities more efficiently and reduce errors in the budget preparation process.
The Commissioner identified inadequate understanding of the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, MTEF, which serves as the foundation of the budget, as one of the challenges that could lead to delays.
He noted that when officers do not fully understand the MTEF or the requirements of the Planning and Budget Commission, the budget process can be slowed down.
Ahmed, however, said the engagement was not designed only to train participants but also to provide an opportunity for the Commission to understand challenges confronting various ministries, departments and agencies.
He explained that identifying and addressing such challenges was important because delays in one government institution could affect the wider budget process.
The training has also received positive responses from participants, including both new and experienced personnel.
Moses Alkali, representing the legislature, said the programme had added value to participants, particularly staff attending the training for the first time.
He said the training was providing an opportunity for participants to acquire new knowledge and improve their understanding of the budget process.
Similarly, Florence Dogara Akut of the Office of the State Auditor General said the sessions were progressing smoothly, expressing optimism that the guidelines and knowledge acquired would contribute to streamlining future budget execution.
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| Adamu Aliyu |
Also speaking, Adamu Aliyu of the Local Government Service Board commended the Planning and Budget Commission for sustaining the annual training initiative.
Aliyu linked the administrative improvements to the broader development efforts of the Kaduna State Government under Governor Uba Sani, particularly the emphasis on effective resource allocation and development at the grassroots.
For the Commissioner, however, the ultimate purpose of an effective budget process is its impact on the people of Kaduna State.
He said proper budget implementation should ensure that public resources are directed towards programmes and projects that improve the lives of residents.
“The whole idea of having a budget is for us to spend money for the benefit of the residents and citizens of Kaduna State.”
Ahmed added that when officers responsible for budget preparation are properly trained and understand what is expected of them, implementation becomes easier and more effective.
The stakeholders' positive response to the training suggests that the exercise is being viewed not merely as an administrative requirement, but as an important component of strengthening public financial management and ensuring that government resources translate into tangible development for communities across Kaduna State.