–Set out penalties for accounting, budget officers found wanting–
By SADIQ ABUBAKAR, Maiduguri-
The Borno State Commissioner of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Hon. Adamu Lawan Fanjumba has disclosed that all arrangements have been concluded for the State Government to commence digitalisation of the 2021 budget expenditures approval procedures and processes from next month, March 2021.
Hon Fanjumba added that the aim was to meet up with the world Bank standards on budget expenditures which attracts over N2billion compliance benefit annually under the International Public Sector Accounting System (IPSAS).
The State Commissioner who revealed this on Friday during 2021 Budget Approval press briefing held at the Multi Purpose Hall of the Government House, Maiduguri, noted that punitive measures have been adopted recently to deal decisively with offending accounting and budget officers at the state Ministries and MDAs especially those that engage in extral budget allocations as well as those who over spend their annual budget estimates without approval.
Hon. Fanjumba however expressed dismay over the lukeworm attitude of some state Ministries and departments towards observing strictly with the laid down budgetary guidelines and procedures.
“Despite all efforts by Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning to curtail indiscipline, some Government agencies went to incur expenditures that are not budgeted,” he said.
The commissioner noted that miscalculation and misappropriation of public funds would in no doubt distort the process of the budget, while appealing to them to operate within the rules and regulations of the system by ensuring compliance
“The success or otherwise of this policy will largely depend on every one of us. I therefore, crave your indulgence to operate strictly within the bounds of the budget so as to achieve the set objective, ” Fanjumba said.
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