By Lawal Gwanda
The Katsina State Government has warned Local Government officials against spending public funds outside approved budgetary provisions, saying such expenditure is a violation of the law and could attract sanctions.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Emirate Affairs, Malam Bishir Tanimu Gambo, gave the warning on Monday during a one-day workshop on Budget Implementation and Performance organised by the ministry at the Katsina Guest Inn Conference Hall.
The workshop, organised by the Office of the Director of Budget, Malam Babangida Aminu Mashi, brought together Resident Inspectors and Local Government Budget Officers from across the state.
Bishir charged the officials to ensure that all planned expenditures for the 2027 financial year are properly captured in the budget projections, stressing that Local Governments must operate strictly within approved allocations.
“We assembled you all here, including representatives of the Ministry, to highlight some important sections, especially with regards to IPSAS, which is now the new method of budget formulation,” the commissioner said.
He disclosed that the ministry had received a letter copied to other state institutions, including the House of Assembly Appropriation Committee, raising concerns over allegedly omitted or wrongly coded economic codes.
Bishir directed the establishment of a committee to examine the observations and provide clarification on the issues raised.
He, however, cautioned Local Government officials against dealing with bodies or individuals who no longer have official roles within the State or Local Government system.
The commissioner urged any Local Government with concerns or disagreements over budgetary matters to immediately approach the ministry for clarification rather than seeking guidance from unauthorised bodies.
‘Local Govt Staff Are Up To The Task’
The Special Adviser on Local Government Inspectorate, Hon. Lawal Rufa’i Safana, said the workshop was designed to strengthen the capacity of officers responsible for budget preparation and implementation.
According to him, the officials are the ones directly responsible for translating government policies and budgets into actual programmes at the grassroots.
He commended Local Government Councils for respecting approved budgets and operating within their provisions.
Safana also challenged workers to justify their salaries through commitment and productivity.
He said the performance of an officer should not be judged by whether he works for the State or Local Government, but by his capacity, knowledge and ability to deliver.
He added that Local Government personnel were increasingly demonstrating that they could compete favourably with their counterparts at the state and federal levels when given the opportunity and necessary capacity.
Auditor-General Highlights Budget Challenges
The State Auditor-General for Local Government, Alhaji Shu’aibu Aliyu, said the workshop was aimed at addressing challenges affecting effective implementation of Local Government budgets.
He urged financial managers to develop a proper understanding of the budget implementation framework, stressing that such knowledge was essential for accountability and efficient management of public resources.
Consultant Applauds LG Autonomy
The Lead Consultant of the workshop, Dr. Salisu Ladan, commended Governor Malam Dikko Umaru Radda for supporting Local Government autonomy in the state.
He also praised the Ministry of Local Government and Emirate Affairs for its efforts to ensure that projects were executed in accordance with approved procedures.
Ladan said the workshop marked part of a broader shift towards allowing Local Governments to take greater responsibility for preparing and defending their own budgets.
He recalled that in the past, some Local Governments relied on external individuals to prepare their budgets, describing the current approach as a move towards greater professionalism and ownership of the budget process.
He challenged Budget Officers to compare previous budget preparation practices with the current system and assess the progress made.
The workshop was attended by the Special Adviser on Treasury Single Account, Dr. Sabuwa, the Permanent Secretary and other directors of the Ministry, among other officials.
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