Plug revenue leakages, accountant-general urges states
The Accountant-General of the Federation, Dr Oluwatoyin Madein, has called on states to halt financial leakages and embrace prudent financial management practices to enhance revenue generation.
She made this appeal during a working visit to the Federal Pay Office in Kano, where she engaged with Federal Pay Officers as part of her nationwide tour.
In a statement on Wednesday by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, Bawa Mokwa, Madein stressed the importance of accountability and efficiency in public financial management, urging Federal Ministries, Departments, and Agencies across states to fully comply with the Federal Government’s financial reform initiatives.
She said compliance with these reforms would strengthen revenue collection at the state level while reducing the financial burden on the Federal Government due to unpaid liabilities.
She disclosed that her office had begun the process of establishing an enterprise concept management system, which would digitise all financial activities, including those conducted at Federal Pay Offices nationwide.
The system, she noted, would enhance transparency and ensure real-time financial reporting.
The statement read, “Madein noted that the use of manual process in carrying out financial activities will soon be over, adding that the use of modern technology in accounting profession is key and vital.
“She further informed that the office has begun the process of establishment of enterprise concept management where all activities will be digitalised and will also be extended to the FPOs.
“Madein emphasised the need for states to halt leakages in order to improve revenue generation and collection to ensure that state governments received their revenues as at when due and the Federal Government will not be burden by unpaid liabilities.”
Madein also urged FPOs to embrace the performance management system, which would replace the Annual Performance Evaluation Report.
She explained that the new system would involve all staff and serve as an objective measure of management performance, ensuring that all officers align with the government’s financial prudence policies.
She further encouraged Federal Pay Officers to enhance their digital literacy skills, stating that computer proficiency was now essential for effective financial management in the public sector.
In his remarks, Aminu Umar, Chairman of the North West Zone Committee of FPOs, commended the AGF for her visit, describing it as a significant milestone.
He noted that the engagement would set a precedent for future leadership in the Accountant-General’s Office, the statement noted.
