By Moses Okorie
The Director-General, Budget Office of the Federation, Mr. Tanimu Yakubu, in Abuja, on Tuesday flagged up a 4-day training of budget officers in Federal Ministries, Departments and Agencies, MDAs, of government who will be involved in the preparation of 2025, in line with the Government Integrated Financial Management System, GIFMIS.
Yakubu who was represented by the Director, Economic and Expenditure, Mrs. Modupeola Lasekan, said the essence of the training is to ensure that some of the challenges encountered by MDAs in preparation of the 2024 budget would not be experienced as the preparation of the 2025 budget will soon commence.
The Director-General’s speech reads in part: “I assumed the Director-General of the Budget Office of the Federation in June 2024, since then, I have faced both challenges and opportunities in managing our nation’s fiscal responsibilities and resources. Today’s training represents a crucial step in addressing these challenges and ensuring that the 2025 budget aligns with the expectations of the Nigerian people.
“The quality of our national budget has been a long standing concern with stakeholders often questioning the relevance, execution and effectiveness of our budgetary proposals. Today’s training offers a critical opportunity for all ministries, departments and agencies to reflect on their roles in the budget processes. Together we can ensure that our budget proposals for 2025 are not only robust and focused but also aligns with our national priorities.
“This is our moment to demonstrate to the Nigerian people our steadfast commitment to delivering a budget that genuinely meets their needs while upholding strict physical policies. As we prepare the 2025 budget, I urge all MDAs to stay true to their mandates.
“Our executive budget proposal must be coherent and purpose-driven embodying the government’s vision for security and development. You hold the vital responsibilities of transforming government’s priorities into accelerated programmes and projects.
“I encourage you to meticulously review your submission to ensure it aligns with our goals to safe-guard the essential economic functions of producing, distributing and consuming goods and services. Let us approach this task with determination and a shared vision for a brighter future for Nigeria”, he stated.
Also speaking on the purpose of the training, Assistant Director, Economic Expenditure, Mr. Ismail Mabo said, the reason is to ensure resolution of all issues associated with the 2024 budget preparation on the GIFMIS platform as noted by MDAs.
To acquaint MDAs with basic steps, processes and procedures involved in preparing the personnel, overhead and the capital budgets. To explain the GIFMIS module for recording revenue, aids and grants. To enhance understanding of the processes of generating budget reports on the GIFMIS platform including error reports and how to address the errors.
“Ensure clear understanding of the processes of creating and changing GIFMIS role players. To determine MDAs generation understanding of the usage of GIFMIS for budget preparation.
“To provide an avenue for training the trainers. To emphasize the need to prioritize ongoing projects in the 2025 budget preparation. To stress the need for quick preparation of the 2025 budget.
“You are all aware we are behind schedule. This avenue will give us the privilege to inform you to prepare your budget as soon as the 2025 call circular is issued”, Mabo said.