Budget and national planning, stakeholders meet on Lake Chad basin Regional stabilization

The Federal Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning, the Budget and National Planning arm has met with Representatives of Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC), African Union Commission (AUC) and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) for Information and Sensitization Mission on the Lake Chad Basin Regional Stabilization Strategy, in Abuja.

The purpose of the forum is to ensure a clear understanding, knowledge and appreciation of the Regional stabilization strategy and engender national level coordination and collaboration with relevant stakeholders in the implementation of the strategy.

In his welcome speech, the Honorable Minister of State, Budget and National Planning, Prince Clem Ikanade Agba, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Olusola Idowu, said that Budget and National Planning is favorably disposed to the implementation of the strategy and the recovery of communities in the region affected by Boko Haram insurgency.

He also acknowledged the effort and commitment demonstrated by the stakeholders in ensuring that the lives of those residing in the affected region return to normalcy. To achieve successful implementation of the strategy and return of stability to the region, Prince Agba urged the donors to establish maintain synergy in terms of funding. This, he explained involves ensuring that funds are channeled to areas of greater needs in order to return normalcy to the region.

Also speaking, the Director, International Cooperation, Mrs. Elizabeth Egharevba noted that in the implementation of the strategy, synergy with the Departments of Monitoring and Evaluation and International cooperation of the Budget and Planning Ministry is of essence.

Briefing earlier, the Executive Secretary, Lake Chad Commission, His Excellency, Ambassador Mamman Nuhu, who is also the Head of Mission, Multinational Joint Task Force, stated  the aim of the visit to the Ministry to include: Building support for the strategy at the highest level in order to address the humanitarian and  development challenges in the region; raise level of awareness about those in the region(Bornu, Yobe, Adamawa) amongst others.

Nuhu harped on the role of Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning in the implementation of the strategy to include as follows: ensure the overarching strategic planning and national coordination of intervention projects; ensuring nexus between Federal and State response; allocative responsibility to stability, recovery and resilience in the affected States; complement and manage counterpart funding from Federal Government; Overall fiduciary monitoring and accountability on the implementation of the stabilization strategy and to ensure that funding for the strategy is captured at the National budget level.

 

Imaobong Udoh

For: Director Information

20/03/2020.