In line with global best practice, the Akwa Ibom State government has inaugurated citizen’s budget committee with Pastor Nicholas Ekarika as chairman.
Pastor Ekarika who is the Special Adviser to Governor Udom Emmanuel on Budget will lead 10 other experienced hands in the making of 2020 Akwa Ibom citizen’s budget.
Inaugurating the committee, the commissioner in charge of Economic Development, Labour and Manpower Planning, Barr Ekong Sampson charged the committee to make the state budget open to the public by presenting key information in a way that can be understood by members of the public.
“This committee is to present key information and deepen access to such information about budget process by members of the public”
The commissioner thanked all stakeholders in the state budget office for their dedication in ensuring that the 2019 budget is laid, passed and signed within a very short time.
He emphasised that the 2019 budget is aimed at establishing more industries as well as attract more foreign direct investment to the state thereby creating more job opportunities for the people.
Barr Ekong Sampson reassured the people that Akwa Ibom State government will continue to pursue people oriented budget process as well as make its annual budget a public document in line with its policy of transparency and accountability.
“Every responsible Akwa Ibomite has the right to know how government generates and spends its income in the delivery of public infrastructure and services. Akwa Ibom State government will ensure that the people have a good understanding of the budget and how it affects their lives”.
Responding on behalf of members of the committee, Pastor Nicholas Ekarika thanked the ministry for calling them out to serve the state. He said the task of his committee will put the state on global platform in terms of transparency and accountability and assured the commissioner that the committee will meet the dateline.
Goodwill messages were received on the occasion from representatives of the budget office and Policy Alert, an NGO.
Members of the committee include Enobong Okpongkpong (Secretary), Effiong E. Ekpenyong, Otobong Peter Sambo, Xavier Essien, Ekaete Eshiet, Ibom F. Ibok, Isaiah R. Ntekim, Ndianaabasi Sam, Uduak Asian Ekong and Edifon Solomon Abasi-obot.
