From Mfon Ekefre, Uyo
Akwa Ibom State Government has inaugurated a nine-member inter ministerial coordination committee on bilateral discussion for the 2017 capital estimates and 2017-2019 medium Team Expenditure framework.
The nine-man committee has the state commissioner for Economic Development, Dr. Emmanuel Ating as chairman which Rev. Eyo Abia of the ministry of Economic Development serve as the secretary.
The committee whose terms of reference is to prepare the 2017 capital estimates and 2017-2019 Medium Team Expenditure Framework as well as evaluate the performance of the 2016 fiscal year, identify gaps and seek ways to close existing gaps.
Other members include commissioner for finance, Mr. Akan Okon and Women Affairs Dr. Glory Edet, Permanent Secretary, Economic Development, Mr. Emmanuel Essien, Permanent Secretary Budget office, Pastor Nicholas Ekarika, Director of Planning and Research, Mr. Nsudo Nsudo the Director of statistics, Mr. Effiong Ekpenyong.
Addressing members during the inaugural meeting, the committee chairman, Dr. Onwioduoket said the capital estimates for 2017 fiscal year would be based on the reality of the economic situation, available resources and current pricing so as to produce a budget that would not only be realistic but implementable.
He said the committee would endeavour to be creative, proactive and meticulous in going through all the presentations from ministries departments and agencies (MDAS), adding that MDAs, were on the other hand expected to be factual and capture the five points agenda of Governor Udom Emmanuel administration.
In his reaction, the commissioner for finance promised to ensure that the committee produces a realistic and achievable capital budget in 2017 and urged members to take the assignment seriously.
Other members of the committee who spoke stressed the need for MDAs to focus more on diversification of the economy and seek other means of generating revenue for the state.
A case was also made by the state accountant general, Mr. Linus Nkan for enabling laws to be put in place to help maximize revenue generation to buttress the budget proposal.
Shortly after the inauguration, the office of the Head of service, the General services office and the department of establishments presented the 2017 capital estimates to the committee which has two weeks to submit its report.
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