LISDEL Calls for the inclusion of RMNCAH+N Budget line in the 2023 Budget in Gombe State

The Gombe State Government recently implemented a citizen-government engagement in the statutory process of developing the 2023 Annual Budget. This afforded citizens the opportunity to make their inputs based on their areas of need to enhance transparency and accountability in governance.

A one-day citizens consultative meeting organized by the Gombe state Ministry of Finance and Economic Development in collaboration with the Ministry of Budget Planning and Development Partner Coordination Office was held at Gombe International Hotel, to collate inputs towards preparations of the 2023 budget.

In attendance were the Deputy Governor, the Honorable Speaker Gombe State House of Assembly and the Honorable Commissioners for Finance, Health, Budget and Planning, and Agriculture. There were other stakeholders from Ministries, Departments and Agencies in the State; as well as development partners, traditional rulers, Civil Society Organizations, and the Media.

The Legislative Initiative for Sustainable Development (LISDEL), represented by the State Coordinator appealed to the government for the inclusion of a Budget line for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health plus Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) in the State’s 2023 budget. He also called on the government to ensure that the Equity Fund – one percent of the Consolidated Revenue Fund of the State set aside for providing financial risk protection to improve access to health care services be made a first line charge.

In his remark, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly represented by the Chairman House Committee on Appropriation appreciated the process of inviting communities to submit areas of their major needs. He assured that the legislature ensure that all the contributions of the people are well captured in the budget.

On his part, the Commissioner for Finance reiterated that some of the suggestions made by citizens in a similar process in the previous year have been executed. He also assured that all requests made by the various groups, communities, and organizations will be included in the budget.

Speaking on behalf of the traditional institution, the Senior District Head of Gombe commended the Government for its commitment and determination to carry the traditional institution in the State along and called on all to support the initiative.

Other stakeholders present at the meeting also made their suggestions on some of the things they wanted to see in the 2023 budget for the growth and development of the state.

Contributed by Abdu Yakubu (LISDEL)