A non governmental organisation, Participation Initiative for Behavioural Change In Development (PIBCD), on Thursday, organised a one day Stakeholders’ Engagement on Budget Analysis For People With Disability as part of its efforts to ensure performance based budget, transparency and accountability in the system.
The Executive Director of PIBCD Akande Racheal Remilekun, in her opening remarks, said that the gathering provided a vital platform for inclusive dialogue, transparency, and accountability in the budgeting process especially as we approach 2026
“Today’s engagement reaffirms our collective commitment to ensuring that no one is left behind in the planning and implementation of government programmes. Persons with disabilities constitute a significant part of our population, and their active participation in the budget process is essential for equitable resource allocation and sustainable development.
“As we deliberate, let us focus on how the budget can truly reflect the needs, priorities, and aspirations of persons with disabilities.
“Beyond allocations, we must ensure that budget is released, performance for artists devices, empowerment of PWDs members as well as making their own office accessable and ensuring it to be disability friendly then performance can be measurable, impactful, and delivers real value in terms of accessibility, empowerment, and social inclusion.
“I therefore urge every participant to contribute meaningfully, share insights, and propose actionable recommendations that will strengthen transparency, accountability, and inclusiveness in our public finance system.
“Together, we can build a society where budgeting is not just about figures, but about impact, performance, and people.
Stakeholders after extensive deliberations, commended the Kogi State Government for carrying PWD along in the budget making process.
They also applauded government for its bold step to create Office of People With Disability in the state as well as provision of office apartment for them to carry out their activities
The stakeholders however, called for increased budgetary allocation to PWD sector to boost their activities
They equally demanded for timely release of the budget meant for PWD activities as well as ensuring performance based budget that is carried out in transparency and accountability spirit
They however, lamented poor performance based budget in 2024 with no impact making activities coupled with the challenges of release of funds to key programmes in the sector
They further called for involvement of People With Disability in budget preparation and governance in general.
Participants were drawn from the PWD, Government Ministries, Agencies , Civil Society Organisations and the Media.