Barely two weeks to its one year anniversary, the pace-setting government of Chief Willie Obiano has scored another first in the annals of good governance by ending a glorious one year in style as the state emerges tops in transparency rating. In a report released by the Federation Accounts Sub-Committee on International Public Sector Accounting System (IPSAS) implementation, Anambra state was ranked highest in the South East. The South East Zone also came first in the overall ranking among the states of the Federation. With an impressive score of 80 percent, the Fiscal merits of the Obiano administration’s commitment came to the fore.
Confirming the development, Senior Special Assistant on Budget in the Governor’s Office Mr. Melie Onyejepu, stated that the successful rating of Anambra state was borne out of the governor’s insistence on early adoption transparency in all accounting process. “Anambra became IPSAS compliant by ensuring the adoption of the set standards, setting up the infrastructure and the IT support as well as getting our people to do the right thing.”
“Given the volume of activities and programmes being undertaken under the state’s 4-Pillars of economic development in agriculture, Trade and Commerce, Oil and Gas and Industrialization, and the Enablers we must ensure that things are done right in the area of budgeting line with the governor’s directives” Mr. Onyejepu reiterated.
The rating of IPSAS adoption by states is based on a road map designed by the FAAC Sub-Committee on IPSAS implementation which required amongst other criteria the conclusion of cash basis adoption by end of 2014, and that states financial reports should be IPSAS compliant. The Survey reviewed the Initiation, Activation and IT Support of states which involves proper procurement procedures and the adoption of the accounting software, as well as GO-Live which meant deployment readiness, budget conversion, data migration; and IPSAS-compliant book-keeping.
In barely one year in office, Governor Willie Obiano has endeared himself to the people of Anambra State with widespread development programmes aimed at uplifting the standard of living of the people. These has manifested in massive infrastructural works in roads, bridges, education, health, housing, public utilities, and erosion control amongst others. Social welfare scheme for workers, the elderly and pensioners have equally been receiving attention, not to mention massive investment inflow from both foreign and local firms.
The increase in public sector spend associated with capital projects often give room for leakages in public accounting system, but the Obiano administration’s commitment to transparency and steadfast implementation of the IPSAS regime in the state saw the provision of the requisite infrastructure and software leading outputs in line with international accounting standards.
Anambra State has undoubtedly benefitted from the asset of Obiano’s professional experience. The Governor’s wealth of financial management experience has gradually translated into enhanced financial regulations and practices in the day-to-day implementation of government’s development initiative. Also the transparency regime prevailing in the conduct of government business in Anambra state has been attributed to Obiano’s leadership by example which has entrenched openness and inclusiveness thereby attracting quality inputs from relevant stakeholders.
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