Akwa Ibom Governor, Pastor Umo Eno has said the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) in the State will boost revenue growth, enhance transparency and strengthen accountability across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).
Speaking at an engagement with revenue officers and key stakeholders at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo, the governor said the TSA would increase internally generated revenue, block leakages and provide reliable data for planning and development.
He criticised the existing revenue framework, faulting the practice of MDAs spending revenues they generate while still receiving monthly imprest from the government. He noted that significant efforts had gone into reviewing the system since he assumed office.
Highlighting ongoing reforms, Eno revealed that over 2,000 unaccredited workers were uncovered in the State Civil Service through a digital verification exercise led by the Ministry of Science and Digital Economy. He added that the state now operates a digital platform for self-verification and payroll access.
Under the TSA regime, he explained, collection costs and operational funds will be processed through an automated system to ensure standardisation and prevent abuse.
The Commissioner for Finance, Emem Almond Bob, described the TSA as a major public financial management reform and commended the governor for clearing N39.831 billion in inherited bank debts and paying nearly N80 billion in gratuity arrears from a N111 billion backlog.
Bob said the meeting was convened to address stakeholders’ concerns and agree on modalities for remitting operational funds to revenue-generating MDAs. The Deputy Speaker of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly, Kufreabasi Edidem, said the TSA would curb financial irregularities and strengthen audit processes.
Chairman of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Itorobong Etim, and ALGON Chairman, Uwemedimo Udo, represented by Utibe Nwoko, pledged support for the initiative, while Accountant General Uwem Andrew-Essien assured of a seamless transition. The event featured a presentation on the state’s remittance platform, AkwaRemit, by Frank Ekpenyong, outlining compliance guidelines under the TSA framework.
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