By Onome Oghenetega
The speaker of the Delta State House of Assembly, Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, on Thursday flagged off a two-day workshop on Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF ) for members of the Seventh Assembly in the state.
Oborevwori stated that the MTEF workshop will enhance the capacity of members in debating the soon-to-be presented MTEF 2020-2021 budget by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to the house.
Speaking at the flag-off of the training in Asaba, the state capital, on Thursday, the speaker commended the state governor, Senator Okowa, for the introduction of the MTEF process in the state.
While highlight the importance of the workshop, he noted that training will enhance the understanding of lawmakers particularly first timers on the State Fiscal Responsibility Law and their understanding of the MTEF, FPS and other related budgeting concepts.
Oborevwori added that the knowledge to be gained from the training would be vital for them to effectively engage in the deliberation of the 2020 budget and to provide a platform for the House to reflect and agree on positioning the House to effectively review the 2020 MTEF as well as monitor/oversight its implementation.
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According to him, “My dear colleagues, one of the principal duties of the legislature has always been to exercise control over the raising and spending of public revenue. We exercise this function in the consideration and passage of the Annual Budget of the State.
“Lately, a global best practice in Budgeting, MTEF, was adopted by all Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries to strengthen Budgeting process in Governments.
“Nigeria is a member of the OECD. As a State, the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) was introduced in 2016 by His Excellency, Senator (Dr.) Ifeanyi Okowa. The purpose of MTEF is to indicate the financial resources needed during the Medium Term covering a period of three years.
“Any moment from now, the 2020 – 2022 Medium Term Expenditure Frameworks (MTEF) of the State will be sent to the House by His Excellency, the Governor. Therefore, this workshop is apt and cannot hold at a better time than this.”
While commending the governor for the development, the Delta Speaker added, “I wish to seize this opportunity to express our profound appreciation to His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Okowa for his foresight in introducing the MTEF process to the State”.
The Speaker expressed the hope that at the end of the workshop, “our understanding of the concept of MTEF, it’s guiding principles and purpose, and the general budget process will be enhanced.
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“Distinguished Colleagues, I can assure you that once we get the MTEF process right, our considerations of the anticipated 2020 Budget will be less cumbersome for Committees. I therefore urge Members to pay attention to the lectures and actively participate in the technical sessions.”
Earlier in her opening remark, the Clerk of the Delta State House of Assembly, Mrs Lyna Ocholor explained that MTEF/FSP is a three-year rolling Expenditure plan that spells out the medium-term expenditure priorities and provides the basis for the preparation of the annual budget.
“It is my honour and privilege to welcome you to this two days workshop which is geared towards providing a learning curve for the first timers and as a refresher course for the ranking members as we look into the budget process and the Medium Term Expenditure Framework / Fiscal Strategy Paper as it concerns Delta state”, she added
