By: John Bassey, Gusau.
The Zamfara State Local Governments Service Commission, in Collaboration with Al-Ahl Associated, has conducted a three-day training workshop for 42 Directors of Administration and General Services, Directors of Finance and supply and Internal Auditors on Enhancing Value for Money in Local Government Expenditures through Effective Implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) Accrual Financial Reporting and Standard Public Procurement Practices across 14 Local Government Areas.
According to the statement issued by Comrade Jamilu Isah Gusau
Public Relations Officer (PRO)
Zamfara State Local Government Services Commission to Journalists in Gusau, the training workshop, themed “Enhancing Value for Money in Local Government Expenditures through Effective Implementation of
IPSAS Accrual Financial Reporting and Standard Public Procurement Practices,” is both timely and relevant to the prevailing demands of modern public financial management.
Declaring the workshop open at a ceremony held at the Commission’s multipurpose Hall in Gusau, the State Capital, the Executive Chairman of the Commission, Alhaji Aminu Aliyu Mafara, who was represented by the Permanent Commissioner 1, Alhaji Bello Tudu Gummi, said that as public institutions entrusted with the management of public funds, local governments have a responsibility to ensure that every naira allocated and expended is properly accounted for and produces measurable benefits for the people.
He further said that the implementation of the International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) Accrual Basis is an important step towards strengthening financial
reporting, improving transparency and providing a more comprehensive picture of the financial position, assets, liabilities, revenues and expenditures of
government institutions.
He stated that adherence to standard public procurement practices is essential for promoting fairness, competition, transparency, cost-effectiveness and
accountability in the acquisition of goods, works and services.
Mafara said that it is imperative that officers responsible for administration, financial management, procurement-related processes and internal auditing acquire the necessary knowledge and professional skills to ensure strict compliance with
established financial regulations, procurement guidelines and accounting
standards.
The Executive Chairman commended the Commission’s commitment to continuous capacity development, professionalism, discipline and improved service delivery across the fourteen Local Government Councils of Zamfara State.
In his welcome address, the Acting Secretary of the Commission, Alhaji Mukhtar Sani Bukkuyum, said that effective financial management is fundamental to the achievement of good governance and sustainable development. The adoption and effective implementation of International Public Sector Accounting Standards (IPSAS) on an accrual basis is an important instrument for improving the quality, reliability and transparency of financial reporting in government institutions.
He further said that the approach will enhance financial accountability, improve planning and budgeting, strengthen asset management, and support informed decision-making
within our local government councils.
In his key note addressed, the Managing Director of Al- Ahl Associated, Dr. Mohd Lawal Bawa PhD Maru said that the adoption and effective implementation of IPSAS accrual accounting represent an important step towards improving the quality, reliability, transparency and accountability of public sector financial reporting.
He explained that, unlike the cash basis of accounting, which largely recognises transactions when cash is received or paid, accrual accounting provides a more comprehensive picture of the financial position and performance of government institutions by recognising assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses when the relevant economic events occur.
