The Kaduna State House of Assembly has commenced the 2026 budget defence exercise for Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs).
The defence exercise marks an important step in reviewing governmental performance and planning for enhanced service delivery in the coming year.
Chairman of the House Committee on Justice and member representing Zonkwa Constituency, Emmanuel Kantyok, outlined the significance of the budget defence exercise, describing it as an annual process designed to critically assess the performance of MDAs in the outgoing year and develop strategies to improve efficiency and effectiveness in the future.
Addressing lawmakers and stakeholders, Kantyok highlighted challenges faced by several agencies, noting that many recorded subpar performance largely due to inadequate cash backing for their budgetary allocations, despite allocations being made in the budget.
He said that the operating environment plays a crucial role in the success of government agencies.
Efficient justice system
Focusing on the justice sector, the committee chairman stressed its indispensable role in maintaining peace and societal order, emphasising that no sector can function optimally without a robust and efficient justice system.
According to him, the justice sector is vital in enhancing accountability, addressing injustices, and controlling crime, which aligns with the government’s broader development agenda.
Kantyok also shared that the committee is currently reviewing requests for recruitment and other proposals aimed at strengthening the Ministry of Justice and the Judiciary, noting that increased manpower would significantly improve operational capacities within these institutions.
During the budget defence session, Chief Registrar of the High Court of Justice, Benjamin Hassan, cited several existing laws that require urgent review and amendment to improve court efficiency and expedite justice delivery.
In a related presentation, Murtala Sa’idu, Secretary of the Kaduna State Judicial Service Commission, revealed the establishment of an Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) Centre.
Explaining that the centre is designed to facilitate dispute settlements through mediation and reconciliation, offering a faster and less contentious alternative to traditional litigation.
The ongoing budget defence exercise is expected to culminate in comprehensive recommendations that will guide the allocation and utilisation of resources across Kaduna State’s MDAs, with the ultimate goal of improving public service delivery and strengthening governance.