TheCable

The Sokoto state government says it has uncovered N1.5 billion belonging to it but lying idle in 100 dormant accounts in various commercial banks in the country.

The state government attributed the discovery to the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) system two weeks ago.

Saidu umar, the state’s commissioner for finance, said this on Sunday in Sokoto while giving an update on the system’s implementation.

Imam Imam, spokesman of Governor Aminu Tambuwal quoted the governor as expressing determination to trace and close down all dormant and inactive accounts it was operating.

“Since the introduction of the TSA, there has been a massive improvement in the reconciliation of public finance figures between the government and commercial banks.

“This has reduced risk of errors in reconciliation processes and enhanced timeliness and quality of the fiscal figures from such accounts.”

The governor was also quoted as saying the introduction of the TSA had enabled government to regularly monitor public cash balances.

“At the same time, it is ensuring higher quality cash analysis from all accounts hitherto operated by the state government and its agencies.

“More analysis is being undertaken efficiently and at regular intervals. The full benefit of the new accounting system will be felt when the implementation of the 2016 budget starts.

“The document is currently undergoing legislative action with the state house of assembly.”

Meanwhile, the governor has approved the posting and redeployment of new permanent secretaries and directors-general in the state’s civil service.

Imam said in another statement that 23 permanent secretaries were redeployed, while 11 director-general were deployed to various departments and agencies in the state.