RSG Assures On People-Oriented Budget In 2024

The Rivers State Government says the 2024 budget will be people-oriented and people-friendly, and also rated the performances of the 2023 budget high.
The Director of Budget, Rivers State Government, Mrs Blessing Loveday Idaminabo, said this in an interview with newsmen on the sidelines of the 2024 pre-budget workshop in Port Harcourt.
Idaminabo, who is covering the duties of the Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, said next year’s budget will be people-oriented and friendly.
“We are actually expecting a people-oriented and people friendly budget, because like I told us, our inputs will count.
“We are here to do a public consultation so that all of us can make our inputs.
“Government wants to know what we want and we are there to collate that for government to execute.
“So, we are expecting a realistic, people=friendly, people-oriented budget”, she said.
Speaking on the performance of the 2023 budget, Idaminabo said this year’s budget is neither surplus nor deficit but just a balanced budget.
“The implementation is very high. We have done our performance for first, second, and third quarters and as I tell you, the Ring Road is ongoing, so the budget is realistic”, she said.
She said the numerous projects embarked upon by the immediate past administration in the State are indication that the budget was fully implemented.
She also commended Governor Siminalayi Fubara for the numerous projects embarked upon within the first 100 days in office.
Idaminabo said government will continue to do its best to improve the lives of the people.
Meanwhile, the State Commissioner for Finance, Barrister Isaac Kamalu, has expressed optimism that next year’s budget will meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people.
“I am happy to inform you that just as in previous years, it is our expectation to deliver a budget that is practical, feasible, and totally supportive of the developmental needs of our people and the State”, he said, adding that several areas have been explored as far as the workshop was concerned.
Kamalu, who declared open the workshop, said in an address read by Dr Stephen Oduye, that the event was meant to acquint participants with development in respect to the economy and other fundamentals guiding the budget process.
He commended the participants for their dedication and commitment and for being great partners, adding that the Ministry is grateful for their support over the years.

By: John Bibor