Business

FG CHARGES AUDITORS ON ROBUST MECHANISMS TO ELIMINATE WASTE IN PUBLIC FINANCES

Published

2 months ago

May 25, 2024

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government has charged Internal Auditors working in its Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAS)
to intensify efforts in devising better means, more effective and robust administrative mechanisms capable of eliminating waste and corrupt tendencies in public finances

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Co-ordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr Wale Edun, gave the charge in his remarks at the opening ceremony of the 4th Internal Auditors Retreat held in Abeokuta, the Ogun State Capital

The Minister, who was represented at the event by the Permanent Secretary, Special Duties, Federal Ministry of Finance, Mr Okokon Ekanem Udo, observed that
Judging from the retreat, it is indeed very evident that the treasury is demonstrating full knowledge of the dire needs of the nation. It captures its mood, given the dwindling revenue profiles of the country and the attendant challenges on the cash flow.
These challenges call for prudent management of what is available through the Public Financial Management Reforms as being developed and coordinated by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation
Therefore, we must all devise better, more effective, and robust administrative mechanisms that will reduce, if not eliminate waste and corrupt tendencies by using effective reforms

He commended the Accountant-General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein’s efforts in implementing reforms and strategies that will ensure efficient management of the nation’s financial resources.

Declaring the retreat open, the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, said his administration will continue to ensure probity and judicious spending of public funds and other resources by avoiding reckless spending.

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele noted that
accountability, transparency, and probity are pivotal elements that enhance good governance and promote sustainable development.

He emphasized the aptness of the theme of the retreat assuring internal auditors of his administration’s continued support enabling them to discharge their duties efficiently as partners in prudent financial management practices.

The Governor encouraged participants to put into good use the knowledge garnered at the retreat as representatives of various MDAs of governments at the federal, state, and local levels

The Accountant General of the Federation, Oluwatoyin Madein, in her remarks at the occasion, said the overall objective of the retreat was to promote accountability and transparency in all facets of the nation’s public finance and management architecture.

She charged participants at the retreat to appreciate that accountability and transparency remain major watchwords for prudent financial management practices, stressing that they are the major prerequisites for economic growth and development.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Mr Olaonipekun Olukoyede, represented by the Director, Internal Audit of the Agency, Mrs Idowu Apejoye, said that the retreat would help curb corruption and achieve stability in public finance.

The four-day retreat with the theme: Enhancing Efficiency and Effectiveness in the Administration of Public Resources: The Role of Internal.Auditors was organized by the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

Share on Facebook

Business

Economy Stabilizing and Positioning for Growth, As FG Exits Ways and Means Borrowing Mechanism

Published

14 hours ago

July 26, 2024

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

The Federal Government has disclosed that it has made significant strides in its economic reforms, well on its way to achieving a step-change in the revenues of the Federal government; closely in line with the budget for 2024. The Federal Government also announced its exit from the Ways and Means borrowing mechanism.

The Honourable Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun stated this today in his office in Abuja during the half-year review Ministerial Press Briefing with the theme: *Economic Recovery and Growth: Progress and Prospects 2024.

He highlighted successes of the Government’s reforms, citing a projected budget deficit of 4% in the 2024 Fiscal Year. He also acknowledged the temporary hardships caused by the reforms but assured that Nigerians would soon benefit from the expected outcomes as the well coordinated economic policies of the Federal Government are beginning to yield results as shown in the slowing in the rate of growth of inflation, increasing foreign investments relative to the same period in the previous year, amongst other positive fiscal yardsticks that are being noted.

The Minister informed that one of the major priorities of the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Administration in the immediate term is to reduce food prices and focus on providing all the necessary support to increase local food production, given the impact of high food prices on inflation. He noted that efforts are underway to achieve this goal.

Edun emphasized the President’s commitment to the welfare of ordinary Nigerians and the Government’s efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in its social protection initiatives including but not limited to the acceleration of the direct benefit transfer programme that has now been restarted following an initial pause of the programme to improve transparency in its delivery. He mentioned that, following the resumption of payments, over 600,000 households have already received this direct transfer this week.

As part of efforts to further improve foreign exchange liquidity and to showcase the resilience of the Nigerian financial system as economic stability takes root, the Minister also announced plans for the Federal Government to issue domestic USD denominated securities of up to US$500 million, in the first instance to attract investment from Diaspora Nigerians and Nigerians with savings held abroad.

Edun acknowledged the Supreme Court’s judgment on direct payment of federation allocations to Local Government Councils, and reiterated the Government’s commitment to implementing the judgement .

The Minister affirmed that with the outcome of the first half of 2024, indeed the Nigerian economy is turning the corner; and with macro-economic stability, the economy is being well positioned for sustained and inclusive growth that creates jobs, lifts millions out of poverty, and drives domestic and foreign investments that would improve the general well-being of the average Nigerian.

Share on Facebook