Kaduna Deputy Governor declares open two day workshop on enhancing fiscal discipline in the Management of local governments.
By Aminu Dalhatu
In an effort towards enhancing financial discipline and strengthening local government administration in Kaduna State, the Ministry for Local Government and the Federal Anti-Corruption bodies have jointly organized a two-day sensitization workshop for Chairmen and Management staff of the 23 Local Government Councils of the State.
Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr Hadiza Sabuwa Balarabe declared the workshop open in Kaduna.
The Deputy Governor explained that the purpose of the workshop, was to ensure that key functionaries of Local Governments catch up with best global practices in financial discipline.
Dr Balarabe noted that the focus of the workshop which is Enhancing Fiscal Discipline in the Management of Local Government was central to the attainment of the objectives of Governor Uba Sani’s administration’s SUSTAIN agenda.
Fiscal discipline according her, has become more attractive for ensuring that governments’ capacities are enhanced by maintaining smooth financial operations and long-term fiscal health.
Dr Hadiza Balarabe pointed out that, strong fiscal discipline builds up financial management capacity, which contributes to good governance, more infrastructure, and social services.
She stressed that Nigeria should not not only target increase revenues but also manage available funds judiciously, adding that “fiscal discipline played a pivotal role in shaping economic outcomes and ensuring responsible financial management”.
The Deputy Governor explained that Kaduna State Government has taken significant steps to ensure that fiscal discipline and responsible financial management is maintained in the State by enacting the Fiscal Responsibility Law which established the Fiscal Responsibility Commission.
Earlier, the Executive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission Mr Ola Olukoyede represented by EFCC Zonal Commander in Kaduna Aisha Abubakar stressed that, the workshop relates significantly to the anti-corruption crusade, especially the preventive mandate of the Commission which is the focal point of this administration”
According to him, Enhancing Fiscal Discipline in the Management of Local Government’ cannot be over emphasized, stressing that, Fiscal discipline has to do with prudent management of resources.
Mr Olukoyede emphasized that, local government administration must be sensitive to the needs of the people.
He gave an assurance that EFCC under his watch would encourage genuine efforts geared towards meeting the needs of the people and it will require local people to offer information to them on how their resources are being used.
Mr Ola Olukoyede urged Nigerians at the grassroots to be more determined in their quest for a better life, saying that through the determination, they will be ready to join the EFCC in exposing corrupt practices in their midst.
The EFCC Boss called on the local government Chairmen to join hands with EFCC to ensure that the war against corruption is won.
In a remark, Kaduna State Commissioner for Local government, Sadiq Mamman Legas urged the participants to pay adequate attention to acquire tge need knowledge to improve their capacity.
In an interview with newsmen, ALGON Chairman in Kaduna State, Alhaji Shu’aibu Bawa Jaja said it has been a tradition for ALGON association at the end of every fiscal year to conduct such workshop in collaboration with EFCC, ICPC, Code of Conduct Bereau and physical responsibility commission to refresh their memories on fight against corruption and corrupt practices.
Alhaji Bawa Jaja maintained that, they are targeting to achieve sanity in the management of public affairs and public funds in governance operation generally.
