Plateau : The Plateau 2024 First quarter Budgetary Spending Followed Due Process- Information Commissioner.

Ogunenwa Audu Jos

Plateau state Commissioner for Information and Communication Mr Musa Ibrahim Ashoms has declared that It has come to the attention of the Plateau State Government that a recent report by Sahara Reporters, dated July 24, 2024, contains misleading information regarding the state’s budgetary spending for the first quarter of 2024.

Ashoms in a statement made available to Kwararafa Reporters on Friday in Jos said “The article claim that 47% of the amount budgeted for capital expenditure was spent on official vehicles was not true as reported.

He said the report had raised concerns among citizens about the state’s spending priorities.

“We would like to clarify and correct these misrepresentations to clear any misconceptions and for the benefit of the general public”

He added that on Budgetary Allocation for Official Vehicle,
the report erroneously suggests that N3.9 billion, representing 47% of the capital expenditure budgeted was allocated for the purchase of official vehicles in Q1 2024, but in reality, the N3.9 billion figure is part of the N152. 8 billion total budgeted for this expenditure item for the entire year representing approximately 2.5% for the first quarter of 2024.

Ashoms noted that the report by Sahara Reporters was a gross misrepresentation of the percentages involved, not just the first quarter.

He added that the allocation for official vehicles in Q1 2024 was only a fraction of the annual budget.

He hinted thay
When the Time is Now Administration, led by His Excellency Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang, assumed office on May 29, 2023, it inherited a lack of functional official vehicles.

“The previous administration left with all functional vehicles despite the Committee for the Recovery of Government Assets recommending their return. Consequently, His Excellency used second-hand cars for nearly a year, and Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of the government had no functional vehicles to operate effectively until the budgetary provisions for new vehicles were met.”

On the Economic Context and Inflation Impact on the government, Ashoms said the procurement of vehicles was significantly influenced by the high inflation rate, which rose from 24.66% at the end of 2023 to 33.9% by the end of Q1 2024, stressing that
additionally, the exchange rate surged from N903 to N1,600 per dollar within the same period, greatly affecting the prices of imported goods, including vehicles.

He added that on Capital Expenditure Priorities,
the state’s capital expenditure budget for the first quarter of 2024 encompassed a wide range of critical projects, including infrastructure development, healthcare improvements, and educational advancements.

He noted that the expenditure on official vehicles was a necessary part of ensuring efficient operation and service delivery across various government departments, but said that it does not overshadow other essential capital projects.

He further stressed that on responsible Financial Management,
Plateau State Government remains committed to responsible and transparent financial management.

“The procurement of official vehicles is part of a broader strategy to enhance the functionality and efficiency of state operations, which ultimately benefits the citizens. It is important to note that all expenditures undergo rigorous scrutiny and are aligned with the state’s development goals”

Ashoms also stressed that on Public Engagement and Accountability, the government”
We value the concerns of our citizens and encourage public engagement in governance” adding that the state government regularly publishes detailed reports on budgetary allocations and expenditures, ensuring transparency and accountability.

” We urge the public to review these official documents for accurate information”.

He added that the Plateau State Government is dedicated to the prudent use of public funds and the advancement of the state’s development agenda.

He called on media organizations to verify facts and provide balanced reporting to avoid misinformation and undue alarm among the populace.

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