The Katsina State Government has engaged accountants and payment initiators to address operational gaps and improve the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

The Commissioner for Finance, Bello Kagara, made this known at a one-day follow-up capacity-building workshop for TSA implementation accountants and initiators.

Kagara said the training was part of the state government’s efforts to strengthen the efficiency, transparency and accountability of its financial management system.

He said the government was committed to periodic training of personnel involved in the TSA process to enhance their skills and address emerging operational challenges.

He said the training would enable participants to identify gaps in the TSA process and recommend practical measures for improving its operations.

Kagara called on the participants to actively engage with the facilitators and raise issues affecting the smooth implementation of the system.

The commissioner said operators of the TSA were critical stakeholders because they were directly involved in its day-to-day implementation.

He said that the state government had identified some challenges in the expenditure process, including gaps in the treatment of Payment Vouchers (PVs), appropriations and checks and balances.

He urged officers responsible for the process to pay close attention to such issues and ensure that proper procedures were followed.

Kagara also said that instances had been discovered where payments were made into accounts that were not the intended beneficiaries.

He said the identified lapses were being addressed through improved strategies and stronger controls within the financial management system.

He said effective implementation of the TSA required the operators to clearly identify challenges and communicate them to the relevant technical authorities for prompt resolution.

He said the objective was not to achieve a perfect system, which he said might not be possible, but to build an efficient system in which all stakeholders would consistently put in their best.

“We cannot have a perfect operation, but all we want is an efficient system. Perfection is not possible, but we must ensure that we put in our best,” he said.

The commissioner assured participants that recommendations arising from the workshop would be given serious consideration by the state government and relevant authorities.

He urged the participants to demonstrate high ethical standards, competence, commitment and the right attitude in the discharge of their responsibilities.

Kagara also appreciated the organisers and facilitators for their collaboration with the state government in strengthening the TSA implementation process.

He said the government looked forward to receiving useful recommendations from the workshop that would further improve the state’s financial operations.

The commissioner expressed confidence that continuous capacity building and stakeholder engagement would contribute significantly to achieving greater efficiency, accountability and transparency in the management of public funds.