Soludo’s 2nd Term: Civil Society Calls for Agriculture Funding, Fiscal Discipline

By Ukpa Ewa

The Chairman of the Anambra Civil Society Network (ACSONet), Prince Chris Azor, has urged the Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo to prioritize agriculture, fiscal discipline and stronger institutions as he begins his second term in office.

Azor made the call ahead of Soludo’s inauguration for another tenure on March 17, 2026, under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA).

He acknowledged that the governor’s first term recorded visible achievements, including the construction of major roads, urban renewal projects across key towns and increased budgetary attention to education and health.

According to him, the introduction of online procurement processes also marked progress toward transparency in government operations.

However, the civil society leader noted that expectations for the second term are now higher, stressing that the focus should shift from visible projects to sustainable development and measurable impact.

Azor expressed concern over the state fiscal limitations, explaining that internally generated revenue has often fallen below projections, which could slow project implementation if not properly managed.

He particularly highlighted agriculture as an area requiring urgent attention, pointing out that the sector has received less than one percent of the state budget in recent years despite its potential to reduce poverty, create jobs and improve food security.

Citing the Food and Agriculture Organization and the African Union’s Maputo Declaration on Agriculture and Food Security, he said governments are encouraged to allocate at least 10 percent of public spending to agriculture.

“For a state with strong agrarian potential and rising food costs, funding agriculture below one percent of the budget falls far short of continental commitments and global best practice,” he said.

Azor, however, commended the state government for allocating over 47 percent of its budget to education in recent fiscal plans, which exceeds the 15 to 20 percent benchmark recommended by UNESCO.

He noted that while the high allocation is commendable, the real test would be improved learning outcomes, better teacher development and equitable infrastructure in rural communities.

The ACSONet chairman also called for stronger institutional reforms, including the full empowerment of the State Procurement Council to ensure strict compliance with the Anambra State Procurement Law 2020.

He said strengthening oversight mechanisms and restructuring the procurement bureau would enhance transparency and prevent irregular dealings with contractors.

Azor further advocated deeper collaboration between the state government and civil society through the Open Government Partnership (OGP), emphasizing that such engagement would promote open budgeting, procurement transparency and citizen participation in governance.

According to him, broader consultations involving civil society groups, professional bodies, faith based organizations, traditional institutions, business leaders, development partners and women and youth groups would strengthen governance and policy implementation.

He added that with the right policies and disciplined execution, Anambra possesses the human capital and entrepreneurial energy needed to achieve greater development in the coming years. toward transparency in government operations.

However, the civil society leader noted that expectations for the second term are now higher, stressing that the focus should shift from visible projects to sustainable development and measurable impact.

Azor expressed concern over the state’s fiscal limitations, explaining that internally generated revenue has often fallen below projections, which could slow project implementation if not properly managed.

He added that with the right policies and disciplined execution, Anambra possesses the human capital and entrepreneurial energy needed to achieve greater development in the coming years.