Ambode, FG task accountants-general on good governance, transparency

The Federal Government and the Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode yesterday tasked Accountant-Generals across the country to make use of technologies and other techniques to ensure transparency, good governance and accountability in the public sector.

Speaking at a conference of Accountant-Generals in Lagos, Ambode said Accountant-Generals occupy one of the most sensitive and demanding positions in the public service, especially in the wake of increasing clamour for good governance, inclusiveness, accountability and transparency.

To achieve better accountability and transparency in public accounting at all levels of government, Ambode represented by the state’s Commissioner for Finance, Akinyemi Ashade, said there was need for strong political will of leadership and robust financial management systems that reflect global best practices which were being implemented by Accountant-Generals.

He said that Lagos pioneered the International Public Sector Accounting Standard (IPSAS) implementation in public accounting and reporting systems in line with the global best practices.He said:”We also introduced central billing system and cashless payment system for collection of Government revenue, among others initiatives, to minimise revenue leakges. In addition, with the realisation that our people are our most important asset, we continue to invest inhuman capacity development through periodic training for accounting staff.”

On her part, the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, represented by the Accountant-General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, said that Nigeria is currently experiencing pressure on the budget due to mono economic culture practice in the country, adding that the pressure was much especially with this year’s budget and significant reduction in the oil price.

She added that in some cases citizens lost faith in Government because of phenomenal national failure to provide essential services while in some other cases it is because of prevalence monumental corruption.

Describing the theme of the forum entitled:” Change in Nigeria’s Accountability and Transparency: Towards Professionalism and Good Governance”, as apt and well thought, the minister urged the Accountant-Generals to make fiscal responsibility and transparency their cornerstones in the nation’s economic development.

“Good governance in Nigeria, institutions and individuals working for public sector entities must try to actualise the entities’goals and objectives; while acting in best public practice at all times; consistent with the requirement o legislation and government policies; avoiding self-interest and if necessary overriding other perceived interests,” she said.