Nasarawa to improve budget performance reporting, accountability

Nasarawa government has taken steps to entrench transparency and accountability in its budgeting system through the adoption of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) chart.

Mr Polinus Wahe, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Budget and Planning, stated this in Lafia on Tuesday, at the opening of a two-day training of 90 officials on IPSAS.

Wahe explained that the training, organised for directors of finance, accountants, cashiers, and budget officers from Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and tertiary institutions, was designed to improve budget performance reporting.

According to him, the training is geared towards elevating the standards of budget performance reporting in the state, under international benchmarks for transparency and accountability.

He explained that the adoption of IPSAS chart was to ensure that every financial decision was reflected in budget reports with utmost clarity and integrity.

“This training is designed to equip officers responsible for annual budget and budget performance report preparations across MDAs with the necessary skills to navigate the complex but rewarding schedule.

“The goal is not just to learn, but to transform our approach to budget implementation for an accurate, timely and transparent reporting system.

“This is crucial for informed decision-making needed to foster trust amongst stakeholders,” he said.

The Director of Budget in the ministry, Mr Peter Aklo, also said that the training would improve budget performance reports in the state.

Aklo said that the IPSAS chart makes for uniformity in the budget performance reporting process with specific coding for every expenditure item that could easily be interpreted globally.

“The chart also helps to ensure transparency which will address corruption, as every money spent must be accurately accounted for with the right code,” he said.