KNSG commits to achieving objectives of SFTAS Program for State, Local Government Auditor-Generals
Kano state government has expressed its determination to achieve significant objectives of the States’ Fiscal Transparency Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) program in effectively governing the state.
Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf made this pledge during the official opening ceremony of the SFTAS Program-for-Results: Training for State and Local Government Auditor-General officials, held at Tahir Guest Palace.
Represented by his Deputy, Comr. Aminu Abdussalam Gwarzo, Governor Yusuf highlighted that the SFTAS program provides performance-based grants and technical assistance to states for the implementation of the 22-point Fiscal Sustainability Plan (FSP) and the Open Government Partnership (OGP).
“The program aims to improve outcomes in four key result areas, namely: increasing fiscal transparency and accountability, strengthening domestic revenue mobilization, enhancing efficiency in public expenditure, and ensuring debt sustainability” he stated.
Governor Abba disclosed that participating states can expect various improvements, such as enhanced procurement practices, automated collection systems for internally generated revenue (IGR), regular submission of comprehensive quarterly debt reports, the enactment of public debt management laws and fiscal responsibility legislation, and the establishment of fiscal and debt rules.
“These measures align with the Federal Government’s Fiscal Responsibility Act and include the establishment of functional state debt departments to regulate and manage state debts” the Governor revealed.
Emphasizing the importance of collective efforts, the governor urged all participants to contribute to the success of the interactive training session, which aims to enhance effective service delivery and help states achieve their desired goals.
Governor Abba expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for initiating fiscal reforms at the national level and extending them to sub-national levels through the introduction of the SFTAS program.
He also acknowledged the contributions of the World Bank, Nigeria Governor’s Forum, Federal Ministry of Finance, and Office of the Auditor-General of the Federation in selecting Kano state as the host for this event in the northwest region of Nigeria.
Dr. Aliyu Muhammad, the National Program Coordinator of SFTAS, emphasized that the capacity-building training, in collaboration with the Office of the Auditor General of the Federation and the World Bank, aims to enhance the professional capabilities of State and Local Government Auditor-General officials.
“This training marks the first segment of the program’s capacity-building initiatives” stated Aliyu.
