AKSG Is Poised At Implementing Its Programmes

By Mmayen Akpan

In line with the spirit of transparency, accountability and due process, the State Government is poised towards ensuring complete implementation of all its programmes, aimed at fulfilling its promises to the people.
The State Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Bassey Albert Akpan, stated this while playing host to members of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation who visited him in his office recently.
Mr. Akpan, however, said this would only be possible if there exists harmony and cooperation between the Executive and Legislature, in line with the vision of the present Administration.
He, therefore, encouraged the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation to work in close contact with the Finance Ministry, to ensure effective budget implementation and execution of Government programmes.
The Commissioner explained that his Ministry was working tirelessly to ensure that the State attains 90% implementation of the current Budget, as well as, the speedy presentation of the 2009 Budget Estimates to the House of Assembly, and requested the Committee to ensure a quick passage of the Budget, when it is eventually presented to the House by the Governor.
He disclosed that as a result of the shock currently being experienced in the international oil market, the State cannot afford to rely solely on Federal Allocation and so must beef up her internally generated revenue base, adding that the Ministry's automation of its revenue collection system has significantly improved the State's monthly internally generated revenue.
The Commissioner also hinted on the planned commissioning of over 500 projects, executed by this Administration through the Inter-Ministerial Direct Labour Committee, by January, 2009.
On the recent suggestion by the Chairman, House Committee on Economic Development, that the Budget Office and the State Internal Revenue Service be streamlined and brought under the Ministry of Economic Development, the Commissioner opined that it is what is obtainable at the Federal level that applies to at the State.
Earlier, Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Samuel Ikon, told the Commissioner that they were in his office to familiarize themselves with the workings of the Ministry of Finance, adding that the Accountant General's office will also be visited, with other agencies in the Ministry, which according to him, his Committee has oversight functions over the activities of the Ministry.
The Chairman said his Committee was ready to cooperate with the ministry to ensure effective service delivery and requested for timely submission of the 2009 Budget to the House of Assembly.
While commending the effort of the State Government in fulfilling its campaign promises through the execution of the many people-oriented projects and programmes, Elder Ikon appealed for more co-operations between the Ministry and his Committee.