Nasarawa State Government Cites Reason for Slow Release of Funds for Programs and Policies

Nasarawa State Government has given reason for non financial backing of approvals obtained by ministries and agencies to execute programs and policies in the state. State Accountant General, Dr Musa Ahmed Mohamed disclosed government position while defending the budget expenditure of the first quarter in 2024.

Over the past week, various standing committees of the state House of Assembly have been scrutinizing the first quarter expenditure reports from ministries, agencies, and parastatals and one of the main concerns that have dominated the discourse is the delayed release of funds despite approvals from the governor.

However when the accountant general, Dr Musa Ahmed Mohamed appeared for budget assessment, he cited insufficient funds in the government’s coffers as the reason for the delayed releases and emphasized the necessity to prioritize expenditures due to financial constraints.

Saying

“The resources are not much and you won't give what you don't have but we are trying to improve in our releases to see to the development of our state“

Regarding the uncompleted projects scattered across the state, Dr. Ahmed attributed the issue to inherited liabilities from previous administrations, labeling them as mere figures adding that some contractors mobilized to sites have abandoned their projects, and assured the committee that the state government is taking steps to address these challenges.

Chairman of the Finance and Appropriation Committee, Hudu A Hudu, commended government’s efforts in rectifying financial discrepancies, and urged the Accountant General to enhance fund releases to ministries and agencies for the overall development of the state.

During a session with the Ministry of Justice, State Judicial Service Commission, and other judicial branches, discussions focused on the criminal justice system and the implementation of specific allowances for judicial staff, where the Chairman of the committee, Barr Esson Mairiga, praised the ministry for halting the continuous garnishee of state government accounts by the court.

Meantime, the Committee on Public Complaint and Petition engaged with the Ministry of Special Duties, Security, and Sundry Matters to strategize on enhancing state security measures.

Away from the budget assessment, the House Committee on Education and Local Government held discussions with local government chairmen and the State Universal Basic Education Board on plans to repair schools damaged by a recent thunderstorm in the state.