The 2026 Budget Bilateral Discussions have officially commenced in Enugu State, with Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) appearing before the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning to defend their budget proposals for the coming fiscal year.
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The discussions are a critical stage in the state’s budget preparation process, providing an opportunity for MDAs to present their projects, programs, and expenditure estimates while aligning them with the government’s development priorities. This process ensures that limited resources are strategically allocated to sectors and initiatives that will deliver the greatest impact on the lives of the people of Enugu State.
The Honourable Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Barr. Chris-Roberts Ozongwu, as he set the tone for the discussions, acknowledged the Executive Governor of Enugu State, His Excellency Dr. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, noting that the Governor is fully aware of the ongoing budget bilateral sessions and has given his total support and go-ahead for the exercise. He commended the Governor’s visionary leadership, people-oriented governance, and strong commitment to building a modern Enugu where accountability, transparency, and inclusive development remain the guiding principles. The Commissioner further stressed that the Governor’s unwavering support has laid the foundation for a credible budgeting process that will translate the administration’s policies into measurable results.
Also acknowledged during the opening session were the Executive Secretary, State Economic Planning Commission, Mr. Nnanyelugo Dan Onyishi, Mr. Dan Onyishi, and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs. Clara Nwakaego Eze, whose roles remain pivotal in driving the technical and administrative framework for the budget process alongside the Honourable Commissioner.
During the discussions, MDAs are expected not only to justify their budgetary estimates but also to demonstrate how their proposed projects will key into the administration’s broader economic agenda of making Enugu State a preferred destination for living, investment, and tourism. This exercise also strengthens inter-agency collaboration and accountability, as each MDA is tasked with ensuring that resources are used efficiently and effectively.
The bilateral sessions are ongoing and will continue until all MDAs have made their presentations. At the end of the process, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning will consolidate the submissions into a comprehensive draft budget, which will later be presented to the Enugu State Executive Council for approval before transmission to the State House of Assembly.
The budget bilateral discussions once again highlight Enugu State’s resolve to institutionalize a participatory and inclusive budgeting process that not only reflects government priorities but also responds to the needs and aspirations of its citizens.