The Delta House of Assembly on Thursday embarked on a four-day retreat to review the State Fiscal Strategy Paper for 2025-2027.

The Speaker, Dennis Guwor, while declaring the retreat open in Asaba, said that it was one of the strategic intents of the 8th Assembly to accomplish the ‘MORE Agenda’ of the current administration.

He noted that the retreat was a veritable avenue to discuss issues relating to the FSP 2025–2027, which was a precursor to the 2025 budget preparation and presentation before the Assembly.

He said, “The primary objective of this retreat is for members to have insight into the FSP document and the technical knowhow required to interrogate and analyse the document.’’

According to Mr Guwor, this is in furtherance to legislative agenda launched by Governor Sheriff Oborevwori during the first anniversary celebration of the 8th Assembly.

He said, “I personally attach great importance to this retreat because it provides an opportunity for members of the House to engage the “engineers” that conceptualise the FSP document. It is a partial fulfilment of our desire to have a pre-budget parley with the executive arm of government. Since the Secretary to the State Government, Commissioner for Finance and his counterpart in the Ministry of Economic Planning are the resource persons, this gives high credence to the seriousness attached to this retreat.’’

The Speaker also said that he was optimistic that at the end of the retreat, the lawmakers would have a thorough understanding of the FSP document and facilitate its consideration.

“As we embark upon this timely review of the FSP document, I urge you all to brace up and take advantage of the moment. Let us ensure that the state budgetary provisions, which are the end product of the FSP, align with the fiscal targets on the strategic allocation of resources to sectoral priorities,” he said.

Mr Guwor also assured of the assembly’s readiness to ensure the implementation of the ‘MORE Agenda’ through the instrumentality of people-oriented legislation.

According to him, as a house, the support, collaboration and cooperation with the executive arm of government is a defining feature of the 8th Assembly’s legislative agenda, which is not optional but a collective responsibility.

He stated, “It is my earnest expectation, therefore, that the outcome of this retreat will further strengthen our collaborative relationship with the executive arm of government. This retreat will also ensure the state budget is result-oriented, realistic and implementable in line with the spirit of the FSP. We are desirous more than ever before to consider and pass an effective and efficient budget that is responsive to state issues, needs and aspirations of the people of the state.’’

Mr Guwor, however, commended the development partner, Africa Parliamentary Resource Centre, for their resourcefulness in putting together the retreat.

 “Today is symbolic and significant in that we have some members of the State Executive Council as part of the Resource Persons that will facilitate some of the technical sessions of the programme,” he added.

In his remarks, the Clerk of the Assembly, Otto Aghoghophia, noted that involving some members of the State Executive Council was a conscious effort by the leadership of the House to synergise positively with the executive arm of government.

He noted that the synergy would enhance service delivery to the people of the state through an effective and efficient budget process.

According to him, an effective legislature contributes to economic prosperity and improved social welfare in a democratic society.

The head of a team of resource persons from the African Parliamentary Resource Centre, John Mutu, commended the leadership of the Assembly for the retreat.

(NAN)