In a decisive move aimed at overhauling the state's financial system, Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has announced the immediate termination of all contractors and consultants handling government revenue.
A New Era of Financial Accountability
The governor made this significant declaration on Sunday, during a New Year's thanksgiving service. He stated that this action underscores his administration's unwavering commitment to accountability and transparency in the management of public funds. Governor Eno was unequivocal in his announcement, directly addressing the issue of revenue leakages.
"All contractors and all consultants to the state government on any revenue, whether it's transportation, whether it's motor parks, are all terminated," Governor Eno declared. He added, "I am saying it now so you can know we are serious." This bold step signals a complete departure from the previous model of outsourcing revenue collection to multiple private entities.
Centralised Collection and Public Disclosure
To implement this new directive, Governor Eno revealed plans to establish an inter-ministerial committee. This committee will be tasked with creating a robust framework for the new revenue collection system.
The committee's composition and mandate are clear:
- It will include the Commissioner for Finance and the Commissioner for Budget.
- Representatives from all major revenue-generating ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) will also be part of it.
- Its primary task is to set up a special task force.
The core objective of this task force is to ensure that all state revenue is collected centrally and paid directly into a single, unified state treasury. Furthermore, the government plans full public disclosure of these revenues, a move designed to foster citizen trust and oversight.
Stemming Leakages and Building Trust
Governor Eno emphasized that the fundamental goal of this sweeping reform is to improve accountability and prevent the persistent leakages that have plagued the state's revenue system. By eliminating multiple intermediaries, the government aims to capture all due revenues efficiently.
This policy shift is rooted in a broader commitment to transparent governance. The governor noted that his administration is dedicated to ensuring that every naira generated for the state is properly accounted for and used for the public good. This move is expected to significantly boost the state's internally generated revenue (IGR) by closing loopholes and enhancing collection efficiency.
The termination of all revenue contracts marks a pivotal moment in the financial administration of Akwa Ibom State, setting a new standard for transparency under Governor Umo Eno's leadership.
