Ekiti State Government has resolved to ensure fiscal discipline in the resource allocation at the local government level in a manner that is strategic and effective.
The Ekiti State Commissioner for Local Government Affairs, Hon. Folorunso Olabode made the revelation at the end of a day workshop on the preparation of 2025 – 2027 medium term expenditure framework (MTEF) for LG Chairmen and other relevant Stakeholders in the State.
Hon. Olabode who earlier declared the workshop opened highlighted the topics of papers treated to include “Fostering sustainable development at the LG through sand budgeting system, State development plan (SDP,) 2021-2025; a veritable tool for proper planning and preparation of medium term expenditure framework at local government.
The Communique issued at the end of the workshop included that the MTEF document should strictly be the fulcrum for the budget preparation and implementation at the LGs/LCDAs.
The Directors of Finance, Budget and Planning should work hand-in-hand to ensure that budgetary provisions guide the spendings in the LGAs/LCDAs to prevent extra-budgetary spending.
It equally stated that necessary working tools like laptops, printers and others should be provided centrally.
The release of reasonable fund for budget preparation, considering the present economic realities.
In order to bridge the knowledge and skill gaps in budgeting, the capacity of Officers in the Department of Planning, Research and Statistics should be enhanced for better productivity and efficient service delivery as Local Government Service Commission, Loans Board, Trainning School and PTAD should be included in the Budget Support Fund.
In his remarks,the Chairman of the Communique drafting who also doubles as the Chairman of Ajoni LCDA Hon. Michael Ogungbemi on behalf of other participants appreciated the State government and the Ministry of Local Government for the Workshop and opportunity to share from various wealth of experiences of the versatile resource persons.
Other Stakeholders at the Workshop included AG/PS, PS Ministry of Budget, PS LGSC, PS LGSC, PS PTAD, PS Loans Board and relevant directors in the LGs/LCDAs