2024 BUDGET: Chiya insists on zero percent deficit budgeting.

… Directs adoption of technology in revenue activities.

In line with Nigeria’s third tier government financial regulations to conduct annual fiscal budget retreat, the Executive Chairman of Kwali Area Council, Honourable Danladi Chiya, has insisted on achieving zero percent budgeting system for the 2024 fiscal year and going forward.

He said this while delivering a declaration speech at the 2024 budget retreat, which was held at Hotel Seventeen, Kaduna, Kaduna State on Thursday, November 23, 2023.

Chiya, while welcoming participants, maintained that the event was a financial requirement that is meant to improve the success of the Council administration.

“It is with great pleasure that I welcome you all to the 2024 Draft budget retreat of our dear Kwali Area Council, which commences today, Thursday 23rd of November, 2023, at Hotel Seventeen, Kaduna State.”

“Budget, as we all know, is a projection of revenue and expenses over a specified future period of time. It is basically a financial plan for a defined period, which greatly improves the success of government undertakings.”

Commenting on the 2023 budget performance, the ALGON Chairman said that although the performance was satisfactory, there is a need for improvement.

“You would recall that the administration’s commitment towards meaningful development of the Area Council is unwavering; hence, emphasis was given to addressing the Council’s infrastructural and human capital deficit with the available resources.
One thing that posed as threat to the administration’s vision of development is the inability of citizens and investors in the Council to promptly fulfill their tax obligations, but we kept hope alive by utilizing the available resources for the overall development of the Area Council.”

“The 2023 budget performance is satisfactory, so far, but we must put heads together to do more next year.”

“I must commend the Director of Finance and the Budget Office for their professional discharge of duties which has brought about this performance. I also commend all departments and key individuals to ensure that Kwali Area Council gets the best development possible.”

On the 2024 budget, the Chairman explained that although the administration is beginning to witness improvement in allocation, there is a need for participants to strategically ensure fair and equitable budgeting.

“Because of the improving resources to the Council and its corresponding demands by the people, this Retreat must work extensively, within these three days, to propose improvements on taxation, revenue and expenditures for the betterment of the Council.
These projections should be geared towards improving the peace and prosperity, thereby further positioning our dear Area Council.
The budget indices should be geared towards the actualization of developmental projects and programmes which have direct bearing to the yearnings and aspirations of the people. We must look inward, especially in the area of internally generated revuenue; let’s come up with a new approach of revenue collection using technology and acceptable mechanisms.”

The Chief Executive of the Council enumerated areas of budget focus.

“Seven (7) key areas to focus on are infrastructural development, agricultural transformation, human capital growth, education and taxation/revenue mobilization, ICT, women and youths development, so as to actualize the 2024 budget of “ Expansion and Consolidation”, he concluded.

The retreat had in attendance Professor Yusuf Ali Zoaka, Dan Dammo Ayuba, Hajiya Kudurat Abdul-Hamid, FCA, FCTI,MNIN and FCT IRS Professionals who presented Papers on Effective Service Delivery, Achieving Zero Percent Deficit Budget in a Galloping Inflation and Advantages of Partnership with FCT IRS amongst others.

Other participants include Members of the Cabinet, Honourable Councillors, Directors of Departments, Heads of Divisions and key stakeholders.

Habila Emmanuel
Head of Information and Public Relations
FCAC/KWAC/INFPR/1896 Vol. I
November 24, 2024.