Kwara govt to prioritise completion of ongoing projects in 2027 budget

The Kwara State Government has begun reviewing proposed 2027 budget estimates submitted by ministries, departments and agencies (MDAs), with a focus on completing ongoing projects and avoiding new commitments that could strain limited resources.

The Commissioner for Planning and Economic Development, Dr Mary Ronke Arinde, disclosed this on Thursday at the commencement of deliberations by the Central Budget Committee in Ilorin.

Arinde said the exercise would scrutinise MDAs’ proposals to ensure they align with the state’s development priorities and reflect the financial resources available to the government.

She urged the MDAs to justify their proposed expenditures, stressing that every budget item must be realistic, affordable and capable of delivering measurable benefits to residents.

The commissioner advised government agencies to prioritise completing existing projects and fulfilling current commitments rather than introducing new ones that could place additional pressure on the state’s finances.

According to her, the 2027 budget should consolidate the administration’s achievements, complete critical infrastructure and ensure that ongoing programmes deliver their intended results.

She also charged members of the committee to carefully examine personnel, overhead and capital expenditures to ensure they are necessary, properly costed and consistent with the state’s fiscal realities.

Arinde further urged the committee to ensure that all proposals comply with the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework, sectoral priorities and relevant government policies, adding that submissions must include clear justifications, objectives, expected outputs and measurable outcomes.

She described the budget as an instrument for implementing government policies, promoting economic development, improving public service delivery and enhancing residents’ welfare.

The commissioner called on MDA representatives to cooperate with the committee by providing accurate information, supporting documents and explanations needed to prepare a credible and implementable budget.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Communications, Bolanle Olukoju, commended members of the Central Budget Committee for their participation and commitment to reviewing the estimates in line with the state’s development priorities.

The deliberations were attended by the Chairman of the Kwara State Internal Revenue Service, Dr Folashade Omoniyi; the Acting Head of Service, Dr Olufunke Shittu; the Chairman of the Fiscal Responsibility Commission, Barrister Abubakar Othman; and other officials from relevant MDAs.