The Lagos State Government has emphasised the need for compliance with financial management kaw and other extant financial provisions as a pre-requisite for a virile public service.
This, it said, is because the assessment of government performance by the populace is often based on prudent financial management.
Lagos Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, stated this view on Wednesday at the Year 2022 Career Week Programme organised by the Civil Service Commission.
The Head of Service, represented by the Permanent Secretary Office of Internal Audit, Mrs. Kikelomo Dawodu, expressed the belief that the Career Week with the theme: “Compliance with Lagos State Public Finance Management & other Extant Financial Provisions”, will serve as a natural follow up to the first edition, given its focus on dwindling Government Revenues globally.
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While commending the management of the Civil Service Commission for the consistency in organizing the Career week programme, he urged the participants to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the event to grow in knowledge, skills and competences, stressing that the administration of Governor Sanwo-Olu, places a very high premium on strict compliance with due process in the management of public funds.
Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Rabiu Olowo, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr. Temitope Hundogan, called on all Civil Servants, especially those in charge of the State’s finance, to desist from actions capable of financial infractions.
He acknowledged the efforts of the State Government through the Civil Service Commission in investing in the human capacity of the State with the provision of fit-for-purpose learning platforms that would eventually translate to the realization of the State’s vision.
The Chairman Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Olubunmi Fabamwo, explained that the choice of the theme for the career week was predicated on the need to improve the metrics of public financial management and entrench the culture of financial efficiency and effectiveness especially at a time like this when resources are very challenged both locally and globally.
Fabamwo, informed that the topics chosen for the technical sessions and panel discussions at the event were not only job-specific but highly relational to core career management matters with spotlights on the statutes, rules, procedures and extant regulations.
She said the career week Programme was designed not just to provide a platform to sensitize officers across all cadres but also to hold strategic discussion in line with the Commission’s commitment to reposition the State workforce as well as to draw the attention of officers to some observed infraction
She noted that the Commission had earlier in the year organized the maiden edition of the Career Week which was meant for the year 2021 scheduled for Directors and officers in the Administrative and Human Resource cadre adding that the Year 2022 Career Week Programme is scheduled for Directors and Officers in the Finance and Accounts as well as the Audit cadres.
” The Career Week also provides us with the much needed forum to strengthen our collaboration as professionals through continuous peer-review and consultation that can lead to the promotion of the ideals and ethics of Accounting and Auditing as separate profession.” the Chairman added.
She added that at the end of the various interactive sessions that would be anchored by seasoned and knowledgeable technocrats, participants would have been exposed to contemporary public financial management in line with global best practices.
Chairman, Audit Service Commission Mrs. Oluwatoyin Adegbuji-Onikoyi, said that it is imperative for Accountants, Auditors and other Stakeholders in all MDÁs to be in compliance with the requirements of Public Finance Management and other Extant Financial Provisions.
This, according to her, will improve accountability, State transparency and support the fiscal consolidation efforts of the State government whilst enhancing the independence and objectivity of public Auditors in the discharge of their duties.
Highlight of the event were the presentation of the Accountant-General Mr. Abiodun Muritala, on the Technical Session with the topics Addressing the Challenges in Public Finance Management Law and Public Sector and the Panel Discussion titled; Reforms in Lagos Public Service and Establishment Issues in Finance and Accounts which was moderated by the Permanent Secretary, Civil Service Commission, Mrs. Boladele Dapo-Thomas.
Topic treated at the Day two of the Career Week event was Audit Control and Considerations – Internal Control Mechanisms in MDAs, while Third Day was served was a Clinic Session for issues on Career Management Matters, Discipline and Exit Matters and a lecture on the topic Familiarization with the Public Finance Management Law 2011 and Extant Circulars.