Bauchi governor receives prestigious ICAN award for accountability, transparency
Story from Ahmad SAKA, Bauchi
Under the inspirational leadership of Governor Bala Mohammed, the Bauchi State Government has achieved the 3rd position in the ICAN Accountability and Transparency Index for the 2021 assessment year.
A statement signed by Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser Media to the Governor, revealed that this recognition was announced by Malam Tijjani Musa FCA, the President of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN), during a public presentation and award ceremony held today, Monday, May 22, 2023, at the Council Chambers of the Institute in Victoria Island, Lagos.
During the event, the ICAN President commended Governor Bala and his dynamic team of professional accountants for their outstanding commitment, extraordinary performance, and high sense of accountability and transparency in administering the public finances of Bauchi State.
Governor Bala, along with four other governors, was nominated in appreciation of their dedicated performance during the assessed period, contributing to the progress and financial development of their respective states.
The administration of Governor Bala Mohammed has introduced various public service reforms aimed at improving fiscal discipline in public procurement, debt management, and the implementation of the fiscal responsibility law. These efforts specifically target the elimination of leakages and waste in the execution of the capital budget.
Another key indicator used to evaluate Bala Mohammed’s administration is the newly introduced Treasury Single Account (TSA) tax administration. This system has significantly reduced multiple taxations and increased revenue sources in the state.
Additionally, the remarkable growth in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and the transparent reporting of revenue collection and allocation have played a major role in solving the state’s problems.
The statement highlights that the regular payment of counterpart funds, a hallmark of Governor Bala Mohammed’s administration, has earned the state inclusion in federal government programs and attracted several development partners. Financial partners now have greater confidence in the state’s ability to meet its obligations.
With the support of committed technocrats, politicians, patriotic stakeholders, and key traditional rulers, the administration has set a new standard in service delivery. People-oriented development programs encompass infrastructure, human development, road construction, rehabilitation of critical urban and rural roads, healthcare, education, agriculture, massive housing projects, water supply, youth empowerment, and women empowerment.
These factors, according to ICAN, contribute to sustained economic growth, enhanced accountability, transparency, ease of doing business, and a reduction in corrupt practices, all of which ensure fiscal discipline in the public service of Bauchi State.
Governor Bala was represented at the event by the State Accountant General, Dr Sa’idu Abubakar, accompanied by Comrade Mukhtar Gidado, Special Adviser Media to the Governor.
In his vote of thanks upon receiving the award, Dr Sa’idu Abubakar applauded the Governing Board of ICAN for recognizing and honouring the entire people of Bauchi. He expressed the deep elation of Bauchi State in ranking 3rd in the ICAN-AI Assessment of 2021, considering the significant improvement from the 20th rank in the 2020 report. This progress is evidence that the state is moving in the right direction and striving to surpass its previous performance.
He assured ICAN that this award would further motivate the Governor to continue prioritizing accountability and transparency in governance. The Bauchi State Government has also pledged its commitment to ICAN’s Students Special Project.
Goodwill messages were delivered by relevant stakeholders, including the International Federation of Accountants (IFAC), the Association of Certified Chartered Accountants (ACCA), the Association of Accountancy Bodies in West Africa (ABWA), and representatives of other state governors.
The event was attended by the Chairman, the Board of Past Presidents of the institute Dr Ike Nwokolo, OFR and some other notable past presidents of the institute attended the event.
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