Gov Eno Says TSA Would Drive Devt In Multiple Ways
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has explained that the implementation of the Treasury Single Account, TSA, will serve multiple purposes, aimed at the overall development of the State.
Speaking at a meeting with revenue officers and stakeholders at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, the Governor said
the system will help improve revenue collection, enhance transparency, accountability and provide empirical data for other development efforts.
He expressed dissatisfaction with the current revenue collection system, especially the practice where Ministries, Departments and Agencies spend funds they generate even while receiving monthly imprest, saying that with the implementation of TSA, collection costs will be received through an automated system.
“I am glad that we are all gathered here to be able to discuss with ourselves and understand the important responsibility that we all carry on our shoulders as a State.
“Our revenue collection drive and system has not been very good. As a matter of fact, we spent a whole lot carrying out system reviews since we came into the office. This is part of what we do that many people don’t see. But without reviewing those systems, we cannot have the outcome that we expect to run our Government,” he noted.
Highlighting the gains of the current system review, Governor Eno noted that over 2000 unaccredited workers have been discovered in the State Civil Service through the help of the State Ministry of Science and Digital Economy.
He commended the Commissioner, Ministry of Science & Digital Economy, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong for changing the narrative by creating a digital system where all State civil servants can carry out their self verification, and access their payroll through their phones.
“Today, I am told that every government employee, whether appointee or civil servant can verify their payroll through their phones, all you need is to key in certain details.
“We have invested a lot in setting up this our system so that it will be easy for everybody. We want to be transparent. And when people talk about how much we have received, there is no argument about that. Look at the corresponding expenditure and all we have done.
“We now have a procurement advisory committee in the Governor’s office, and all bills of quantity are thoroughly checked. I will not sign anything if my team has not checked. So we know the proper cost of our projects, and we know the billions we have saved this state in doing that,” he said.
In his opening remarks, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Emem Almond Bob lauded Governor Eno for his vision to have a new State revenue management system, and described the process as one of the public management reforms undertaken by this current administration.
He also commended the Governor for the numerous achievements including; clearing of all inherited Commercial bank debts N39.831billion, payment of backlog of gratuities of N78.6 billion, out of N110 Billion inherited, fiscal discipline in budget implementation with over 80% budget performance, prompt payment of salaries, massive infrastructural developments and due payment of contractors, amongst others.
He noted that the engagement was to provide an opportunity for stakeholders to present new concerns and resolve issues as well as collectively agree on modalities for remittance of operational funds to all revenue generating MDAs/institutions.
The Commissioner urged the stakeholders to utilize the opportunity and be acquainted with the operation of the TSA in the State through AkwaRemit.
Also speaking at the event, the Deputy Speaker, Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Kufreabasi Edidem appreciated the Governor for building a sustainable digital revenue generating system for the State beyond his administration.
Highlighting his experience in the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Hon. Edidem noted that the TSA system was long overdue, adding that the implementation of TSA will not only curb the financial malfeasance, but guarantee effective and transparent audit process in the State.
In their separate remarks, Dr Itorobong Etim, Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, appreciated the Governor for his visionary leadership, stressing that the TSA is an indication that the Governor was not only interested in his administration, but the future of Akwa Ibom State.
Chairman of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Dr. Uwemedimo Udo, represented by the Chairman of Ika LGA, Barr. Utibe Nwoko, assured that at the third tier of government, they were fully ready, willing, and prepared to embrace the new system.
On his part, the State Accountan-General, Pastor Uwem Andrew- Essien said they were glad with the innovation in financial management, and appreciated the Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy for facilitating the process.
He assured everyone that the bottlenecks envisaged had been taken care of, adding that the transition will be hitch free.
The highpoint of the event was a detailed presentation on the State’s remittance platform, AkwaRemit, by the Commissioner for Science and Digital Economy, Dr. Frank Ekpenyong, outlining operational guidelines and compliance expectations under the TSA framework.
