The World Bank has commended the administration of Governor Yahaya Bello of Kogi State for its financial transparency and awarded the state for distinguishing itself among 35 other states on Fiscal Transparency and Accountability, Debt Sustainability and Domestic Revenue Mobilization.
The awards were conferred on Kogi State at the Federal Government of Nigeria/World Bank States Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) programme which held at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja.
The objective of the World Bank’s State Fiscal Transparency, Accountability and Sustainability Programme is to promote focus and attention of Nigerian States towards improvement of their PFM systems, processes and institutions.
The Auditor-General of Kogi State, Yakubu Okala, who spoke to journalists after the award ceremony attributed the success of the state in the areas of fiscal transparency and accountability to self-discipline, as well as the institution of a transparent and accountable governance system by Governor Yahaya Bello from the inception of his administration.
SFTAS is aimed at strengthening fiscal transparency to help build trust in government, facilitate accountability in public resource management and ensure sustainability in participating states.
The event was therefore organized to celebrate the achievements of SFTAS since inception.
Recall that the World Bank, in July 2021, commended Governor Yahaya Bello for refunding $4.63 million surplus funds under the Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP).
The commendation was conveyed in a letter of appreciation, signed by its Regional Director, Shubham Chaudhuri, describing the step as a sign of good leadership.
According to the World Bank, the Governor’s action made it possible for the organisation to extend its projects to other states facing deficit funds and to extend the closing date of its projects.
AIT
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