Governor Samuel Ortom of Benue state has said there are plans to establish a budget intelligence unit as a deliberate policy to improve the quality and impact of the state’s expenditure.
The governor who made this known in Makurdi, noted that in addition to the establishment of the budget intelligence unit, the efficiency unit in the ministry of finance economy, empowered to monitor the quality of expenditure would also be strengthened for better performance.
The governor who acknowledged challenges of the 2021 fiscal year budget estimates said deliberate steps were being taken to mitigate their impact on delivery of the 2021 proposed budget.
He stated that budgetary provisions were made by his administration to support diligent work being done by the state COVID-19 Action Committee head by the state deputy governor, Engineer Benson Abounu.
He also noted that a state-wide payroll reform including the deployment of technology using the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System (NIBSS) is also being undertaken to enhance sanity in the system.
“We are working to improve the quality and impact of our expenditure. To this end, we are establishing a budget intelligence unit and also strengthening the existing efficiency unit in the ministry of finance to monitor the quality of expenditure,” the governor stated.
He further noted that completion of the Benue State Geographical Information System (BENGIS), would enhance data for planning and monitoring as well as improve revenue administration.
The governor said implementation of new laws passed by his administration would strengthen fiscal responsibility, public procurement and debt management among others.
