President Muhammmadu Buhari has called on governors of the 36 states of the federation to ensure fiscal transparency in the conduct of government business and judicious use of resources in their respective states.
The president made the call Tuesday in a nationwide broadcast to mark the country’s 59th Independence Anniversary.
“I call upon our states to intensify their own efforts to instill greater fiscal transparency and accountability. And to ensure greater fiscal efficiency and optimum use of our very scarce resources.
“The blight of Corruption is fighting back. Nevertheless, this is a battle that we shall see through and this is a war, which we shall win by the Grace of God.
“I will also call upon all Nigerians, from every walk of life, to combat Corruption at every turn. By choosing to question and confront corrupt practices, by reporting unethical practices or through whistleblowing. Together, we can overcome corruption and will no longer be a country defined by corruption,” he said. The president said in its institutional reforms to enforce the Treasury Single Account policy, the federal government introduced the Whistle-blowers’ Initiative, expanded the coverage of the Integrated Payroll Personnel and Information System as well as the Government Integrated Management Information System.
He said the initiatives have made it possible for the government to save billions of Naira over the last four years, and deterred the rampant theft and mismanagement of public funds that have plagued the country’s public service.
“The Ministry of Justice, the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission will continue to address this menace. We are determined to ensure that transparency and good governance are institutionalized in public service.
