Yobe partners ICPC to strengthen financial discipline in public service
Yobe partners ICPC to strengthen financial discipline in public service
The Yobe Ministry for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs has partnered with the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ( ICPC) to strengthen fiscal transparency and accountability in public service.
Speaking at a two-day capacity building workshop in Damaturu on Tuesday, Gov Mai Mala Buni, represented by his deputy, Alhaji Idi Gubana, noted that accountability and transparency were critical requirements for good governance.
This, he said, was the reason why he signed the state Public Financial Management Law (2020), which introduced a digital payment system and enhanced audit compliance in the state and local governments’ administration.
“These steps taken by our administration have enabled us to ensure the prudent management of public resources leading to the execution of many development projects in the State across various sectors,” Buni said.
The governor said participants at the training would be exposed to financial management, internal control mechanisms, digital revenue systems, procurement processes, audit responsiveness and ethical responsibilities in public administration, among others.
He said in view of the significance of local governments to grass root development, his administration ensured timely release of funds to the council’s for speedy implementation of projects and programmes for the people.
Buni added that his administration also introduced “Coordinated Account System” across the 17 local government councils in a bid to ensure transparency and accountability in expenditure and revenue drive.
The governor charged the participants to take advantage of the workshop to strengthen their capacities and align their operations with international best practice for the benefit of the state.
In his remarks, the Ministry ‘s Commissioner, Alhaji Ibrahim Jajere, said part of the ministry ‘s mandate was to support council’s with training and policy guidance.
He said financial experts would engage the beneficiaries on financial reporting, responsible budgeting, Treasury Single Account (TSA), revenue optimisation, responsible procurement management, among others.
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Mr Linus Matashi, ICPC Resident Anti-Corruption Commissioner for Borno and Yobe, said the workshop underscored Yobe’s clear commitment to transparency, accountability and ethical governance.
He noted that sustainable development could only occur where public resources were managed with discipline, integrity and responsibility.
Matashi said the commission was committed to providing technical support to the councils and other levels of government on financial discipline and enforcement of extant laws governing financial management, where necessary.
The Voice Media Trust (VMT NEWS) reports that participants included Councils’ Chairmen, Secretaries, directors of personnel management, auditors, treasurers, among others.
