By Bashir Rabe Mani
Gusau – Participants of a three-day Workshop on the Sokoto State 2017 budget have called for urgent measures to diversify the state’s economy.
They made the call in a communique jointly signed by the House Leader in the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Garba Bello ( APC-Yabo), and Alhaji Kabiru Mahe, Director, Legislative Matters of the Assembly.
The workshop which was held in Gusau, Zamfara, between Feb.14 and Feb.16, had as its theme: ”2016 Sokoto State Budget Performance Review and Public Hearing on 2017 Budget Workshop”.
It was organised by a USAID-assisted Leadership, Empowerment, Advocacy and Development(LEAD) Project being implemented in Sokoto and Bauchi states.
The communique which was released on Thursday night said: ” The diversification would enhance growth and development for improved revenue base of the state’’.
It said: ” That prompt cash releases to MDAs should be ensured to enhance budget performance;
” That fiscal responsibility law be implemented to ensure transparency and accountability in governance and,
” That donor funding be captured in the state’s annual budget proposals.”
The workshop also urged legislators in the state to carry out regular oversight functions.
“This is with a view to tracking and ensuring compliance with budget implementation,’’ it said.
The workshop further called for the empowerment of Civil Society Organisations( CSOs) to carry out budget tracking.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the workshop drew participants from the media, Ministries, Departments and Agencies ( MDAs), the legislature and CSOs across the state.
