The Nsit Atai Local Government Council in Akwa Ibom State has held a stakeholders’ consultation on its budget process to obtain public input on priority projects and programmes that address the developmental needs of communities across the area.
The stakeholders’ consultation held at the Council Secretariat in Odot recently, brought together community representatives, elected officials and other stakeholders to discuss budget priorities, promote transparency in public spending and strengthen citizens’ participation in monitoring government projects.
Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Chairman of Nsit Atai Local Government Area, Hon. Prince Anthony Nyong, emphasised the importance of involving residents in budget preparation, noting that their contributions would help the council identify projects that respond to the needs and aspirations of communities across its 10 wards.
He said stakeholder consultations were essential to developing a responsive budget and ensuring that available resources were directed towards projects that would benefit residents.
Nyong reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transparency, accountability and inclusive governance, adding that public participation would strengthen engagement between the council and the communities it serves.
Representing the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, the ministry’s Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Mr. Patrick Ikoedem, highlighted the importance of public hearings and stakeholder consultations in local government budget preparation.
He explained that such engagements enable residents to communicate their needs, recommend projects and contribute to decisions on programmes requiring priority attention.
Ikoedem also stressed the need for sustained engagement with citizens throughout the budget cycle, from preparation and implementation to monitoring and evaluation.
Similarly, the Director-General of the Akwa Ibom State Fiscal Responsibility Board, Mr. Victor Edet, highlighted the responsibilities of local government councils and other stakeholders in promoting transparency, accountability and public participation in the budget process.
He urged participants to take an active interest in budgetary decisions and the monitoring of public projects, noting that citizens’ involvement was essential to ensuring that public funds were used responsibly and delivered the intended benefits.
The discussions highlighted the importance of participatory budgeting in aligning public expenditure with community priorities, strengthening oversight and improving accountability in project implementation.
Participants also discussed the need for effective project monitoring and feedback mechanisms to identify implementation challenges and improve service delivery across the local government area.
Those in attendance included the Vice Chairman, Hon. Mrs. Affiong Amanam; the Leader of the Legislative Council, Hon. Ubong Udoeyo; the Council Secretary, Obong Sunday Udia; the Dean of Supervisors, Hon. Emmanuel Okono; and the Head of Local Government Service, Mrs. Imaobong Otoyo Antai.
Also present were councillors representing the 10 wards, supervisors, the Director of Budget, Planning, Research and Statistics (BPRS), traditional rulers, representatives of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, representatives of the Akwa Ibom State Fiscal Responsibility Board and other stakeholders.
