In order to enhance conditions at the local level, the Ekiti State government has asked the local government council leaders to practise fiscal restraint and wise resource allocation.
In a bid to attend to the demands of their populace and guarantee food security, the Commissioner for Local Government Affairs Folorunso Olabode requested the local governments to prioritise agriculture and community needs in their 2025 budgets.
The commissioner gave this directive at a “One-Day Workshop on the Preparation of the 2025-2027 Medium Term Expenditure Framework” which happened on Monday for pertinent executives of local governments and local council development areas in Ado Ekiti.
The main aim of the workshop was to assist council officials on how to set up the MTEF framework, a three-year rolling plan that aligns budgeting processes with developmental goals to ensure sustainable growth.
It was organised by the Ministry of Local Government Affairs in partnership with the departments of Budget, Economic Planning, and Performance Management.
The commissioner stated that, “It is imperative to address the issue of local government financial autonomy as it affects strategic planning, fiscal management, and resource allocation. We need to ensure that our resources are used efficiently and directed towards programmes that will have the greatest impact on our citizens’ lives.”
Olabode clearly pointed out that even though Governor Biodun Oyebanji has been strict to his words on not to meddle with council money, the governor is still determined to give grassroots development top priority.
“We must involve all relevant stakeholders in this process, particularly in preparing our 2025 budget, which stems from the MTEF,” he stated, underlining the significance of stakeholder participation.
“To make sure that our projects fulfil the needs and goals of our communities, we must pay attention to them and take their feedback into account when making preparations,” he ended.
In order to enhance local food production, the commissioner also advised local governments and local council development areas to promote agriculture and local farmer empowerment in their 2025 budgets.
He added, “Through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, the state government is collaborating with local governments and local council development areas on extensive land clearing across council areas for agricultural purposes.
“In accordance with the governor’s directive, we shall prioritise the construction of 5km roads across local governments and local council development areas. We have made substantial progress this year in planning, identifying roads, and securing consultancy services.”
The goal of the workshop, according to Niyi Adebayo, Commissioner for Budget, Economic Planning, and Performance Management, was to instruct local government representatives on how to properly use the MTEF and practise fiscal restraint.
Adebayo remarked saying, “The key is to ensure that the budget and the MTEF reflect the wishes and aspirations of the people. It is crucial to engage in participatory budgeting to understand what the people want in their local governments and local council development areas.
“I advise them to demonstrate fiscal discipline, adhere to the guidelines, and implement the MTEF and budget programmes effectively. This will help improve the lives of Ekiti State residents and make the government more responsive to their needs,” he said.
The head of the Ekiti State House of Assembly Committee on Local Governments, Maryam Ogunlade, advised those tasked with creating the 2025 budget to take the required actions in order to attain the intended results.
According to Ogunlade, adhering to the MTEF would facilitate the accomplishment of strategic objectives, such as “investment, increased employment, and poverty reduction.” When implemented correctly, economic activity costs will decrease and public safety and security will increase.
“MTEF provides the government with a tool to balance compelling policy priorities with budget realities. This will help reprioritise expenditure and make informed policy choices that are affordable in the medium term, ensuring the well-being of our people at the grassroots,” she added.
