AE-FUNAI Econ Dept, NILDS Partner on Public Finance

The Department of Economics and Development Studies, Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu Alike, Ebonyi State in conjunction with the National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies, Abuja, held a Workshop on “Practical Public Finance, Budget Analysis, Evidence-Based and Informed Policy Making”, meant to improve service delivery in the public and sector of the Nigerian political economy.

Declaring the workshop open, the Vice-Chancellor Professor Sunday Elom who was represented by the Dean of Social Sciences, Professor Kalu Ebi Uma, commended the department, for coming up with such a robust topic, matching theory with practical and prioritizing the interest of students, noting that the   all- important workshop will be beneficial to the students in public finance, Public Service and across Civil Service.

‌The Director-General of the Nigerian Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NiLDS), Professor Abubakar O. Sulaiman, in his speech, said that the collaboration reflects their mandate at NILDS in providing capacity development to the Legislature and work on partnerships with other institutions to advance democratic principles and governance both in Nigeria and the ECOWAS sub-region.

Sulaiman stated that the workshop is a shared commitment to bridging the often lamented disconnect between intellectual endeavours and policy making, having worked in both the academia and policy space, particularly serving as Minister of Budget and National Planning before assuming Leadership of NILDS, with the understanding that scholarly research informs public policy and budgetary processes.

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‌Speaking through an Acting Director at NILDS, Dr Augustine Osigwe, who was a former lecturer in the university before moving to NILDS, the Director-General asserted that when academic research informs fiscal policy, budgets become more than numerical statements; they evolve into strategic instruments for inclusive growth and social transformation.
 
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Osigwe, stressed that the Nigerian Institute for Democratic Studies (NiLDS), which was established in 2011 is the think tank, training and capacity building arm of the National Assembly, which provides technical and research support for evidence-based law making and the democratic process.


‌Dr. Oluwasola Omoju, a Senior Research fellow at National Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies ( NILDS) in his presentation on “Beyond the Numbers and Understanding the Legal Frameworks for Budget Process in Nigeria” explained that budget is beyond the numbers, to involving legal and institutional frameworks that shape these numbers, adding that the budget process is framed within some key Legal Frameworks like the 1999 constitution ( as altered), Fiscal Responsibility Act of 2097( FRA 2007), Annual Appropriation Act ( a legal document of spending plans)  He highlighted the constitutional roles budget undergoes  before making it to the National Assembly for presentation. He equally enlightened the staff and students on budget scrutiny and enactments, and the role of the national Assembly on the matter.

Earlier in her welcome remarks, Head, Department of Economics & Development Studies, Dr. Anuli Regina Ogbuagu appreciated the Director-General of the Institute for Legislative and Democratic Studies (NILDS) for his approval and sponsorship of the resource persons, noting that the initiative marks a significant step in the collective effort to bridge the gap between academic theory and legislative practice, especially in the realm of public finance.

She stated that meaningful dialogue between scholars and practitioners will be a catalyst for new ideas, stronger partnerships and a more informed approach to public finance in Nigeria, adding that the presence of experts from the Nigeria Institute for Legislative Studies (NILDS) adds immense value.

‌ Highlight of the workshop was the presentation of awards to distinguished Nigerians such as the  Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of  Development Studies ( NILDS), Professor Abubakar .O . Sulaiman, the Acting Director of NILDS, Dr Augustine Osigwe,  the Senior Research Fellow at the Institute, Dr. Oluwasola  Omogu and others for their immense contributions to fiscal responsibility, qualitative teaching and exposition at the workshop.