The Delta State Government on Monday inaugurated its Public Financial Management, Legislation, Accounting and Expenditure Control Reforms.
The Chairman, Steering Committee of the reforms, Chief Kenneth Okpara, said the essence was to further strengthen the accountability and transparency module in financial dealings and expenditure segment of the state.
Okpara said that the reforms were also aimed at curtailing fraud, waste and corruption within its public sector.
He said the reforms were being funded by the Delta State Government in partnership with the World Bank, International Development Agency and the European Union.
Under the State Employment and Expenditure for Results projects must comply with International Public Sector Accounting Standards.
Okpara, also the State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Planning, said the government was engaging a UK-based consulting firm – WYG International and Philips Consulting – which has 30 months target for the reform process.
He said the firm would collaborate with key stakeholders within the various Ministries, Departments and Agencies as well as members of the working group that were also inaugurated on Monday.
Okpara said that the initiative was the effort of the government in entrenching transparency and accountability in governance of the state.
He also said the initiative would help to strengthen the government’s determination in driving the state economy beyond oil as enunciated by Governor Emmanuel Uduaghan’s administration.
He said: “What we are doing here today is part of the openness of the government of Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan for accountability and transparency.
“This to a large extent tells you that when the state government talks about transparency and accountability.
“t is not paying lip service.
“This government is committed to reform as part of its drive in achieving the ‘Delta beyond Oil’ vision of the governor.
“We are also committed to ensuring that that we streamline our expenditure processes to avoid waste and minimise corruption in the system as well as ensure adequate procurement processes.”
The state Coordinator of the World Bank, EU and Delta State-sponsored SEEFOR project, Benson Ojoko, said that at the end of the 30 months programme, the consultant, alongside the reform committee would submit its reports to the state executive council.
According to Ojoko, the consultant is also expected to recommend a multi-year budget framework for the state as well as the production of new budget module.
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