Lagos Restates Commitment To Ensure Transparency In Governance

The Lagos State Government has restated its commitment to continue collaborating with the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) in ensuring transparency and accountability in the public service.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu stated this today during a courtesy visit by the President and Members of the Governing Council of the Chartered Institute of Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN).

The Governor, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, stated that the activities of the Institute impact on the performance of government due to the significant number of its members employed in the public service at the State and Federal levels.

Commenting on the accountability index conducted by the Institute, he said the State government would align with ICAN’s recommendations as it is crucial for non-accountants/citizens to keep abreast of government’s activities, conceding that it is the only way citizens can align with the government and pay the taxes required for the provision of services.

According to him, “if they see what we are doing and it is transparent, the possibility is that there will be a voluntary payment. So this type of index will help us to explain better”.
Speaking further, the Governor described the Lagos State Civil Service as the most vibrant in the country hinging its capabilities on the quality of the training staff get.

He added that this administration will continue to provide training and undertake capacity building to ensure the public service delivers people-focused programmes and policies.
Sanwo-Olu maintained that the State government would make funds available for its officers to attend both local and international workshops, training and conferences where they can engage, discuss and exchange ideas with their colleagues on international best practices that will propel Lagos to greater heights and improve service delivery.

While affirming the government’s belief in accountability and transparency, Sanwo-Olu noted that the collaboration with the Institute will continue to drive the economy of the State towards better performance.

Earlier in his address, the President of the Institute, Mazi Nnamdi Okwuadigbo who was represented by his Vice, Dame Onome Joy Adewuyi registered the Institute’s excitement with the rich agenda of the present administration, noting that the THEMES agenda convincingly captures the critical sectors of any forward-looking society.

He stated further that the institute is ready to collaborate with the present administration in the training of accountants and other members of allied professions in the State public service, noting that the institute frowns at quackery and calling on the State government to insist on professionalism and quality standards.

The President disclosed that the institute is a strong supporter of government in the fight against corruption as it launched a N50million whistleblower-fund project and recently released the maiden report of ICAN Accountability index aimed at driving efficiency in resource utilisation, eliminating wastes and sharp practices as well as promoting transparency in public governance across the three tiers of government.

While appreciating the State government for approving the redesignation of the Accountants’ cadre to Finance and Accounts Cadre, Okwuadigbo stated that the institute would continue to encourage its members in the public service to reciprocate government’s gesture by putting in more than the call of duty in the State civil service.