RECEF advocates increase in Kogi agric budget to combat rising inflation in the state

—- saying it ensure meeting the Maputo declaration of setting aside 10% of state budget for Agriculture

Renaissance Care And Empowerment Foundation (RECEF Nigeria), has Said that the overall budgetary allocation to the agricultural sector for the proposed 2024 budget is not adequate to combat the ever-increasing food inflation in Kogi state and as well meeting up with the Maputo Declaration which recommended that at least 10% of state budget should be set aside for Agriculture.

This was contained in the memorandum submitted on kogi state 2024 proposed budget for appropriation to the Kogi state House of Assembly, by Renaissance Care And Empowerment Foundation (RECEF Nigeria)

The memorandum which was signed by Ambassador Idris Ozovehe Muraina, Executive Director of RECEF Nigeria, however commended the bold move of the ministry to provide for capacity building for extension workers in the 2024 proposed budget and strongly recommended that such budget line should be domiciled with the Agricultural Development Project (ADP).

The group also observed that the proposed 2024 budget estimates from the Kogi State Ministry of Agriculture conspicuously, left out the usual financial provision to support the activities of Small-Scale Women farmers and Youth in Agriculture, saying This is not a good sign that the agricultural sector of the state is sensitive to the potentials and immense contribution of small-scale women farmers to the production of over 70% of foods that are consumed here in the state.

RECEF therefore recommended that the ministry revert back the budget line for Small -scale women farmers and youth in agriculture and the sum of N200,000,000 each should be inserted.

The memorandum in full

MEMORANDUM SUBMISSION
ON KOGI STATE 2024 PROPOSED BUDGET FOR APPROPRIATION, BY
RENAISSANCE CARE AND EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION (RECEF Nigeria)
Secretariat: Suite 13, Lokongoma Plaza, Beside DABS Lounge, Along Army Barrack’s Road Lokongoma, Lokoja -Kogi State. recefnigeria@gmail.com, 07063797550

PRESENTED BY AMB. IDRIS OZOVEHE MURAINA
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, RECEF Nigeria

BACKGROUND
In a democratic setting like Kogi State, the state budget presentation, public hearing, and appropriation process play a crucial role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and citizen participation in the management of public finances.

The state budget presentation is a key event in the democratic governance of Kogi State as it serves as the formal introduction of the government’s proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. This presentation outlines the government’s revenue projections, expenditure priorities, and policy initiatives. It provides an opportunity for the executive branch to communicate its fiscal priorities to the legislature and the public. The budget presentation sets the stage for deliberations and negotiations between the executive and legislative branches of government, ultimately shaping the allocation of public resources to address the needs of the state.

Public hearings on the state budget provide a platform for citizens, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to express their views and concerns about the proposed budget estimates. These hearings are essential in promoting transparency and accountability in the budgetary process. By allowing public input, the government can take into account the needs and preferences of its citizens, ensuring that the budget reflects the priorities of the people it serves. Public hearings also contribute to fostering a sense of civic engagement and promoting a culture of participatory democracy.

we hereby write to bring to your attention certain critical considerations for the 2024 budget estimates that we believe are essential for the socio-economic development of Kogi State.
Firstly, we wish to draw your attention to the paramount importance of allocating increased funds to the agricultural sector in the upcoming budget. Agriculture remains the backbone of our state’s economy, and as such, it is imperative that we invest substantially in this sector to enhance productivity, promote food security, and create employment opportunities. We recommend a significant increase in budgetary allocation to support initiatives such as modernizing farming techniques, providing agricultural subsidies (most especially for small scale women farmers), recruitment of more agric extension agents and establishing agro-processing facilities. These measures will not only boost agricultural output but also contribute to the overall economic growth of the state.

Secondly, I urge the esteemed members of the House to pay special attention to the effective management of the state’s debt in the 2024 budget. Prudent debt management is vital for sustaining the financial health of our state and ensuring that resources are utilized efficiently. It is crucial to strike a balance between leveraging debt for strategic investments and avoiding over-indebtedness that could burden future generations. I propose that the budget allocates funds for debt servicing while also exploring avenues for responsible borrowing and debt restructuring to optimize the state’s financial position.

OBSERVATIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Ministry of Agriculture:
The overall budgetary allocation to the agricultural sector for the proposed 2024 budget is not adequate to combat the ever-increasing food inflation in the state and as well meeting up with the Maputo Declaration that at least 10% of state budget should be set aside for Agriculture.

Observations:
Code 010000010101: PROVISION OF EXTENSION, COMMERCIAL, TECHNICAL SERVICES AND BUILDING INFRASTRUCTURAL DEVELOPMENT(ADB) 21 LGAS – Zero Allocation

Recommendation:

At least the cumulative sum of #150,000,000 should be allotted to this.

Observation
Code 010000040102: PURCHASE OF TRACTORS FOR AGRICULTURAL MECHANIZATION (MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE, HEADQUARTERS) – N850,000,000 allocated. Specific targeted number of items to be purchased are not mentioned.
Recommendation.

It is noteworthy that the state government under the current administration purchase some tractors for agricultural mechanization just few years ago, what is the current status and revenue generation level of the tractors. We therefore, recommend that funds should be re-allocated from this budget line to support the provision of extension, commercial, technical services and building infrastructural development as captured above.

Observation
Code 010000060107: PROCUREMENT OF TRACTORS, POWER TILERS AND HARVESTERS TO BOOST FOOD SECURITY AND SAFE FUNCTIONING OF FOOD SUPPLY CHAINS FOR POOR HOUSEHOLDS (CARES). – N419, 595, 280 allocated. Specific targeted number of items to be purchased are not mentioned.
Recommendation
We humbly recommend that items under code 010000040102 and 010000060107 be harmonized and target specific.

Observation:
Code 010000230101: PURCHASE OF ESCARVETORS LOW BED, BULDOZER, TRACTORS AND PROVISION OF SOFT LOAN TO FARMERS FOR COMMERCIAL PROVISION OF AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT FOR DEVELOPMENT OF COMMERCIAL AGRICULTURAL SCHEME. – N1,000,000 allocated – how realistic is this based on current market value?

Recommendation
We assume the above figure is incorrect and might be a typo error. It should be corrected.

Observation:
Code 010000010101: CAPACITY BUILDING FOR EXTENSION WORKER.

Recommendation
While we commend the bold move of the ministry to provide for capacity building for extension workers in the 2024 proposed budget, we strongly recommended that such budget line should be domiciled with the Agricultural Development Project (ADP).

Observation:
We observed that the proposed 2024 budget estimates from the Kogi State Ministry of Agriculture conspicuously, left out the usual financial provision to support the activities of Small-Scale Women farmers and Youth in Agriculture. This is not a good sign that the agricultural sector of the state is sensitive to the potentials and immense contribution of small-scale women farmers to the production of over 70% of foods that we consume here in the state.

Recommendation
We recommend that the ministry revert back the budget line for Small -scale women farmers and youth in agriculture and the sum of N200,000,000 each should be inserted.

Agricultural Development Project (ADP):

Observation:
Code 22021004: AWARENESS, ENLIGHTMENT AND SENSITIZATION.

Recommendation:
The proposed amount is too small to disseminate information regarding an important sector like agriculture. This amount should be increased from N100,000 to N2,000,000 at least.

Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning:
Observation
Code 14020104: SALES OF NON-ESSENTIAL GOVERNMENT ASSETS. – N3,000,000,000 what are the list of government assets tagged non- essential assets meant to be sold?
Recommendation:
List of the Non- Essential Government Assets to be sold should be listed for reference purposes.

In conclusion, we strongly advocate for the prioritization of increased funding for the agricultural sector, funding support for small scale women farms and effective debt management in the 2024 budget. These measures are essential for fostering sustainable economic development, improving livelihoods, and securing a prosperous future for the people of Kogi State.

We trust that the esteemed members of the House will give due consideration to these recommendations as you deliberate on the 2024 budget estimates.

Thank you and have a wonderful deliberation.

Amb. Idris Ozovehe Muraina
Executive Director,
Renaissance Care and Empowerment Foundation (RECEF Nigeria)