By Chukwuma Odi
The Ebonyi State 2027 Budget Bilateral Discussion commenced on Monday at the Budget Hall, Ministry of Budget, Planning, Research and Monitoring, with the Government House Budget Committee taking the lead in a successful first session.
The annual exercise aimed at producing a credible and people-focused budget for the state, kicked off with ministries, department, and agencies defending their budget proposals before the state’s committee.
Speaking on behalf of the Chief of Staff, Prof. Emmanuel Echiegu, the Head of Accounts, Government House, Mr John Elom described the budget defence as a familiar annual ritual and said his team was prepared for the process.
He commended the 2027 Budget Bilateral Discussion Committee for the timely release of call circulars and for adhering strictly to the timetable, which he noted would ensure the delivery of a standard 2027 budget for Ebonyi State.
Declaring the session open, the Chairman of the Committee and Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget, Planning, Research and Monitoring, Mrs Rose Ugwuoma Ibe called for discipline and strict adherence to the approved budget ceiling.
She applauded the management and budget committee of Government House for their consistency and thoroughness, noting that their presentations over the years have always set a good example for other MDAs.
The bilateral discussions are expected to run for several weeks, with all MDAs presenting their 2027 proposals for scrutiny and alignment with state’s development priorities.
