Minister cautions ministry officials against budget delay

MINISTER of Science and Technology, Dr Ognonnaya Onu, has said that the 2020 budget of the ministry will be ready by September in line with the presidential directive to return the budget to January-December fiscal year.

Dr Onu disclosed this during his meeting with management and staff of the ministry in Abuja.

He said that the new policy framework in the ministry would be in line with the presidential directive of diversifying the economy, growing the economy, and fighting corruption and insecurity.

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According to the minister, the ministry will endeavour to get its budget estimates ready so as to have a hitch-free budget defence before the National Assembly.

He added that the budget of the ministry and agencies should be ready before two weeks.

“It is the most important priority for now” he stressed.

He noted that the functions of the ministry and its agencies would be streamlined so as to avoid overlapping of duties.

Dr Onu also stressed that he would work harmoniously with the Minister of State in order to achieve  good result for the best interest of the country.

He  charged the management to brace up for more work, and demanded for their support and cooperation to take the ministry to greater heights.

The minister commended the permanent secretary, Mr Bitrus Bako, directors of the ministry and director-general of the agencies for handling the affairs of the ministry.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary said the inauguration of the cabinet is special for the ministry because for a very long time the ministry has not had a Minister of State.

Meanwhile, the Minister of State for Science and Technology, Alhaji Mohammed Abdullahi, has warned the staff of the ministry that he would not entertain gossips and sniggering because the tasks ahead demand cooperation and focus.

The minister enjoined the staff to do everything within their power to ensure advancement and progress without running foul of laid down conventions and rules.