​We Are in Strong Support of LG Autonomy –  KDSG

By Alex Uangbaoje, Kaduna

Kaduna State Deputy Governor, Arch. Barnabas Bala on Wednesday, said the State government believes strongly in the autonomy of the Local Government (LG) system as a tier of government.

The deputy governor who stated this during the inauguration of the newly constituted state “Economic Planning Board” (EPB), represented the governor at the event. 

According to him, constitution of the EPB is part part of government effort to to fast track and take development to rural areas of the state. 

He added that the EPB would ensure effective coordination in the preparation of local government plans and budget with the goal of improving the livelihood of the people.

The Deputy Governor, explained that the state had already developed Local Government Planning and Budgeting Manual to guide local government officials in planning and budgeting process. 

He said that the goal of reforming local government system in the state was to maximise the potentials of Local Governments Areas (LGAS) to deliver qualitative public service at the community levels.

He further added that the step was taken to promote development at grassroots by creating an autonomous, adequately funded, transparent and responsible local government system capable of delivering services to the people.

“The Kaduna State Local Government Reform Law, 2017, has mandated the LGAs to develop a culture of participatory governance by encouraging community members to participate in the preparation, implementation and review of development plans.

“These structural reforms are intended to give local government architecture a greater capacity for service delivery, promote development at grassroots and ensure policy alignment with the state and Federal Government policies”.

In his remarks, the Commissioner, Kaduna State Planning and Budget Commission, Muhammad Abdullahi, said that EPB provided the needed platform for collaboration between the state and the local government for efficient use resources.

According to him, the EPB was established by law, based on the provisions of the 1999 constitution as amended, which empowers LGAs to participate in development planning.

He said that EPB would bring the state and LGAs together to plan and strategise together to move the state forward and improve the lot of the people.

Abdullahi explained that the board has the Commissioner, and the Director Planning in the state’s Planning and Budget Commission as the Chairman and secretary respectively, and other commissioners and head of agencies as members.

He said that the EPB has the mandate to advise the Governor concerning economic affairs of local governments in the state and advice LGAs on measures necessary for efficient economic planning and budgeting.

“It will formulate studies and produce statistical data to reflect the orderly, progressive and planned economic growth of the state and ensure effective coordination in the preparation of LGAs annual and multi-year budgets.

 

“The Planning and Budget Commission is responsible for providing guidance and oversight on local government planning, budgeting and economic development.

 

“It will also ensure that local government plans and development issues are fully integrated at the state level to harness the resources of the LGAs for the maximum benefit of the people, “the commissioner said. 

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  1. January 12, 2024

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