Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has announced the full implementation of a Treasury Single Account (TSA) system, describing it as a transformative financial reform aimed at boosting internally generated revenue, eliminating leakages, and strengthening transparency and accountability across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
The governor made this known during an engagement with revenue officers and key stakeholders at the Government House, Uyo.
He explained that the TSA would serve as a strategic instrument for holistic development by providing accurate data for planning and improving the overall efficiency of revenue management in the State.
Expressing concern over the existing revenue framework, Gov. Eno criticized the practice whereby MDAs spend revenues they generate while still receiving monthly imprests from the government.
He noted that the administration had invested significant time in reviewing and restructuring financial systems, efforts that may not be as visible as physical infrastructure projects but are critical to sustainable development.
“Our revenue collection system has not been very effective,” the governor said.
“We have spent considerable time strengthening our processes to ensure greater efficiency and accountability.”
Highlighting progress made through ongoing reforms, he revealed that a digital verification exercise led by the Ministry of Science and Digital Economy uncovered over 2,000 unaccredited workers within the state civil service.
He commended the commissioner for driving the digital reform agenda.
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According to the governor, the state now operates a digital platform that enables civil servants and political appointees to conduct self-verification and access payroll information via their mobile devices using their identity numbers.
Under the TSA regime, he added, revenue collection costs and operational funds will be processed through an automated system to ensure standardization and eliminate abuses.
Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Emem Bob, described the TSA as a landmark public financial management reform under the current administration.
He praised the governor for clearing inherited commercial bank debts amounting to N39.831 billion and paying nearly N80 billion in gratuity arrears from a backlog of N111 billion dating back to 2012.
Bob also cited over 80 percent budget performance, prompt salary payments, extensive infrastructure development, and the settlement of contractors’ obligations as key achievements.
The commissioner explained that the stakeholders’ meeting was convened to address concerns and agree on clear modalities for remitting operational funds to revenue-generating MDAs and institutions under the new system.
Also, the Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Kufreabasi Edidem, lauded the governor for institutionalizing a sustainable digital revenue system designed to outlive his administration.
He described the TSA as a long-overdue reform that would curb financial irregularities and strengthen audit processes.
