Mallumbe addressing the press
The Borno Commissioner of Budget and Planning, Alhaji Babagana Mallumbe, says the state is targeting between 80 to 90 per cent budget performance this year.
Malumbe made this known on Monday in Maiduguri while briefing newsmen on the 2024 approved budget of N358.7b tagged “Budget of Consolidation and Progress.”
Malumbe said that last year’s budget performance was 74.4 percent and that the government was committed to raising the tempo in 2024.
Mallumbe tasks Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) on budget discipline for maximum result.
“As directed by the Governor, I would like to draw the attention of all Accounting Officers and Directors of Finance and Accounts that misappropriation of government funds will not be condoned.
“As such all Accounting Officers and Directors of Finance and Accounts of all MDAs are strongly advised to adhere and operate strictly in accordance with laid down rules and regulations.
“Failure to adhere to this will result in their Expenditure Authorization Form not being signed,” Mallumbe said.
He explained that all requests for funds either in form of memo or otherwise must be covered by approved provisions and balance of the budget as well as a certificate of no objection from the Bureau of Public Procurement.
Mallumbe also advised MDAs to use the 2024 approved budget in quoting their Organizational and Economic Codes as there are some changes in codes due to creation and merger of Ministries.
“MDAs are also advised to remember to fill the Expenditure Authorization Forms when requesting for funds through Memos and to also quote State Development Plan codes to link the purposes to the 10-year Strategic Transformation Initiatives (STIs).
“After approvals have been granted, MDAs are encouraged to submit expenditure returns (performance) timely, which without returns the next Authorization request will not be entertained.
“Accounting officers are advised to note that the budget document is a set of policy guidelines which will enable MDAs operate during the 2024 fiscal year and no request for funds not funded in the budget will be entertained.
“The success or otherwise of this policy will largely depend on each and every one of us. I therefore, crave your indulgence to operate strictly within the bounds of the budget so as to achieve the set objectives,” the commissioner added.
