From Tunde Bishop, in Sokoto
As part of effort to deepen transparency and accountability in public finance, the Sokoto State Government has commenced capacity building training for key stakeholders in the state’s financial management ecosystem.
The workshop held in Abuja with participants drawn from key agencies, including the State Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and the Sokoto State Internal Revenue Service.
The State Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Abubakar Muhammad Zayyana, while declaring the workshop open said the state is committed to strengthening public financial management in line with global standards.
He also explained that the present administration places strong priority on an effective and efficient public financial management system rooted in transparency and accountability
The Commissioner noted that such commitment is part of broader reform efforts under the leadership of Governor Ahmed Aliyu to ensure prudent management of public resources.
Zayyana noted that the state had made significant progress in aligning its budgeting process with the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) and the updated National Chart of Accounts.
“Our administration is resolved to institutionalise a scientific, realistic, and inclusive budgeting framework that reflects the aspirations of all segments of society. We will ensure equitable distribution of resources and development across the state.”
He also assured that the government would continue to support capacity enhancement initiatives for staff across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to improve productivity and service delivery.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Hajiya Maryam Ahmad Barade, said the training aligns with the current administration’s push for effective service delivery at the grassroots level.
She explained that the state had embarked on numerous structural reforms and policy interventions aimed at reversing poor fiscal practices, stimulating productivity, and setting Sokoto on a trajectory of sustainable development.
Other speakers include Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Alhaji Sani Muhammad Tambuwal, and the Deputy Clerk of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Ibrahim Dogon Daji.
The two day training will focus on updating stakeholders on the National Chart of Accounts (NCoA) codes, budget performance reporting, and the state’s financial accounting processes.
