World Bank, FG Extend SFTAS Technical Assistance To Dtates
By Patience Ikpeme
The Technical Assistance component of the States Fiscal Transparency Accountability and Sustainability (SFTAS) Programme for Results has been extended until December 2023 by the federal government and the World Bank.
This decision was made to provide additional Technical Assistance and capacity building support to state and local governments in developing business enabling reforms.
The end date of the programme has been extended twice to facilitate further support during the sustainability phase and to introduce the States Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) seamlessly.
The SFTAS National Programme Coordinator, Mr. Ali Mohammed, stated that the SFTAS programme has made significant progress in improving public finance management laws, budget transparency, and citizen participation.
The SABER programme aims to strengthen the business environment and attract sustainable private investments.
Mr. Mohammed also highlighted the gains made through the passage of Audit Laws in 32 states, which have improved the independence and professionalism of the Auditor-General offices.
The capacity-building programme has been designed to further enhance the skills of auditors at the state and local government levels.
The SFTAS Programme has led to improved procurement practices, automated revenue collection systems, and better debt management in the states.
The Kano state governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, emphasized the sustainability of the SFTAS Programme and urged auditors general to continue implementing audit reforms for improved transparency and accountability in public financial management.
