(AWEIL) – Governor Simon Ober Mawut of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State (NBGS) chaired an Extended Extraordinary Council of Ministers meeting on Friday to begin detailed preparations for the State’s Fiscal Year 2025/2026 budget.
The meeting brought together senior officials, including State Directors General, the Commissioner of the State Revenue Authority, and a representative from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). The goal was to align the state’s planning with national fiscal priorities.
The session was held in response to a directive from the national government, which instructed all States and Administrative Areas to prepare their budgets ahead of a national budget workshop to be held soon in Juba.
This preparation is key for the National Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning as it seeks to compile a complete and realistic national budget to support the continued functioning of both state and national institutions.
As part of this process, a delegation from Northern Bahr el Ghazal is expected to present the state’s proposed plans and budget during the national workshop scheduled later this month in Juba.
During the opening of the Transitional National Legislative Assembly on Wednesday, President Salva Kiir called on lawmakers to pass the national 2025/2026 Budget, following the expiry of the previous fiscal plan one month ago.
In his address, the President urged the assembly to approve a budget that supports economic growth, strengthens service delivery, and paves the way for political stability, especially through the conduct of credible national elections.
Northern Bahr el Ghazal’s approach mirrors broader national efforts to promote accountability and coordinated governance through improved fiscal planning.
The inclusion of development partners like UNDP in the state’s budget consultations reflects growing emphasis on transparency and capacity building in public financial management.
The meeting also provided an opportunity for state institutions to review revenue expectations and expenditure priorities, ensuring that critical sectors such as health, education, infrastructure and security are adequately funded.
The table below provides an overview of the current planning phase:
Budget Preparation Overview – Northern Bahr el Ghazal State
| Key Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Budget Year Under Review | 2025/2026 Fiscal Year |
| Lead Official | Governor Simon Ober Mawut |
| Participants | Council of Ministers, Directors General, Revenue Commissioner, UNDP |
| National Budget Workshop | Scheduled in Juba (July 2025) |
| Expected NBGS Presentation Date | Later in July 2025 |
| Focus Areas | Economic growth, service delivery, elections |