NEPAD Lauds Kogi Government As Yahaya Bello Pledges Support For African Review Mechanism

Kogi state has been rewarded with the sum of $5million for the successful review of the year 2020 budget and for its strict adherence to the covid 19 pandemic guidelines by the world bank.

The Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Asiwaju Idris, made this known at a one day broad sensitization town hall meeting for Nigeria’s 2nd peer review program organised by the presidency,  New Partnership for Africa’s Development / African Peer Review Mechanism (NEPAD/ AFRM ),Kogi State office.

Hon. Idris who welcomed  team from APRM, and other participants to the program, said the purpose of the program is to ensure effective implementation of Nigeria’s second review process, called on stakeholders to actively participate in this crucial  aspect of the review process

He hinted that the  additional budget  financing was made possible thorough the transparency and accountability policy of the present administration, describing it as first of it kind in the state. The commissioner said the citizens engagement/ stakeholders meeting, removal of non essential items in the budget to pave way for a viable and realistic budget were parts of the steps taken by the state to cushion the effect of the covid 19 pandemic on the state economy.

While emphasizing on the objectives of APRM , the commissioner said it  will help foster the adoption of policies, standard and practices leading to political stability, high economic growth and sustainable development and accelerate regional and continental economic integration amongst others

Hon. Idris stated that the African Peer Review Mechanism is widely acclaimed as Africa’s most innovative and ambitious initiative on governance and it is described as a self monitoring mechanism for self assessment, peer – learning as well as experience sharing in the pursuit of the highest possible standard of good political, economic and corporate governance.

Assuring members from APRM of the  continuous support of govt, Hon. Idris said the governor has successfully approved all necessary logistics and materials support for the state  office of NEPAD/ APRM.

The state focal person for NEPAD/ APRM, Mr Akubo Charles in his paper presentation said it is gratifying to note that Kogi state is one of the earliest state to pilot the the Nigeria’s country 2nd review process under the AUDA- NEPAD/ APRM initiative. He said the town hall meeting is to kick start the base review process with other activities to be implemented.

While commending the state government for its tremendous support to drive the process, Mr Charles gave the assurance that the state will not be let down but will ensure that the national assignment with international dimension is conducted creditably by putting the state on the African Map

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